Dillon Brooks offered his view on LeBron James’ future during a conversation reported by Kelly Iko on Yahoo Sports on Tuesday, May 12, as questions continue to surround the veteran’s long-term plans following the Lakers’ playoff exit.
Brooks was direct in his assessment, pushing back on the idea that the latest postseason run could mark the end of James’ career.
“I don’t think it’s his last year,” Suns forward Dillon Brooks, who was in attendance, told Yahoo Sports. “I think he got one more in him. I watched him when I was in the NBA, when I was a kid in high school. He’s got a phenomenal career and battled everybody and done it at a high level throughout. It’s been amazing to watch overall, a pleasure to battle against him.”
The comments came shortly after the Oklahoma City Thunder eliminated the Lakers in a 115-110 Game 4 win, completing a four-game sweep in the Western Conference semifinals. Oklahoma City remained unbeaten in the postseason and advanced to the conference finals, while Los Angeles exited after a series defined by late-game swings.
James finished the final game of his 23rd NBA season with 24 points and 14 rebounds. He played 38.4 minutes in Game 4 and came close to extending the contest late, missing a driving attempt in the closing seconds that would have given the Lakers a lead.
Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura helped keep Los Angeles competitive throughout the fourth quarter, but Oklahoma City closed the series with timely execution, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren’s go-ahead basket inside the final minute.
Brooks’ comments reflect the broader attention surrounding James at age 41, as he continues to produce at a high level while navigating deep playoff runs. The Lakers star remains one of the league’s most productive veterans, finishing the regular season averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists across 60 games.
His future has become a recurring talking point as Los Angeles continues to reshape its roster around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, with the franchise also evaluating roster flexibility heading into the offseason.
The Lakers have now fallen in the Western Conference semifinals for the third straight year, adding further uncertainty to the direction of the roster. Brooks’ belief that James still has another season aligns with the continued expectation that the veteran forward remains capable of competing at a high level.
