LeBron James opens up on the secret that fueled his 2016 NBA Finals comeback with Cleveland

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in basketball history, continues to defy time and expectations as he prepares for another season in the NBA.

Now 40 years old and entering the twilight of his storied career, James has officially exercised his $52.6 million player option with the Lakers for the 2025–26 season — a move that will see him make history as the first player in NBA history to play 23 seasons, surpassing Vince Carter’s record of 22.

Over his two-decade career, LeBron has built a résumé that stands among the most impressive in sports history: four NBA championships, multiple MVP awards, and the title of the league’s all-time leading scorer.

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LeBron’s career has been defined not only by greatness but also by resilience and redemption. His 2010 decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat drew intense criticism, yet it resulted in two championships in four seasons and solidified his reputation as a winner.

In 2014, James returned to Cleveland with a mission — to deliver a championship to his home state. Two years later, he fulfilled that promise in spectacular fashion, leading the Cavaliers’ historic comeback from a 3–1 deficit to defeat the 73-win Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals.

LeBron is probably coming back November 18th vs Utah.

Lakers will have a 4 day rest after that game so it will be a good time to see how his body reacts and responds to playing again.

Year 23 coming. And we are NOT forgetting anything yall been saying when we up. pic.twitter.com/ct5i4vcxJ2

— C A L V I N 🕷️ (@calvingonba) November 1, 2025

That victory remains one of the most iconic comebacks in league history, and as revealed in Brian Windhorst’s book “Return of the King,” LeBron drew deep motivation from doubts expressed by former colleagues in Miami.

“When I decided to leave Miami — I’m not going to name any names — but there were people I trusted who told me I was making the biggest mistake of my career. That hurt me,” LeBron said.

“And that right there was my motivation.”

“I knew what I was doing, and the result was a product of it,” he added.

Across his 22 seasons, LeBron has delivered championships for each franchise he’s represented — Miami, Cleveland, and Los Angeles — an accomplishment unmatched in modern NBA history.

 However, his career has also featured long stretches without titles, including his first seven seasons in Cleveland, which produced only one Finals appearance (a 2007 sweep by the San Antonio Spurs).

Now entering what could be his final season, LeBron remains focused on one goal: adding a fifth championship to his legacy. If he succeeds, he would not only cap off his career with another title but also deliver the Lakers’ first championship since the COVID-shortened 2020 season.

Whether or not he retires after 2025–26, LeBron James’ longevity, leadership, and impact on the game have already cemented his place among the all-time greats — and his next chapter could be one more piece of history in an unparalleled career.

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