LeBron James has yet to show signs of slowing down even if he’s turning 40 in December. His outstanding play in the 2024 Paris Olympics, leading Team USA to the gold medal, only reinforced that James is still one of the best players in the world at his advanced age.
James is entering the 22nd season of a legendary career with his eyes still on the prize — winning his fifth ring and the Los Angeles Lakers’ 18th NBA championship.
But after the way the Lakers have stumbled since winning their last NBA title in 2020 and their lack of offseason movement, the Lakers fans have been wondering if they can recapture that glory in James’ final years in the league.
All they can do is look back to their 2019-20 season.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
James made them sad when he left an emotional comment on a random tweet of a video showing Jared Dudley’s buzzer-beating three-pointer during a Lakers game in the 2019-20 season.
“This was peak,” said the caption of the video.
One Lakers fan replied: “I really miss this (crying emoji).”
James also replied: “I do too (crying emoji).”
His reply left the Lakers fans sad on that Twitter thread, sending them in an emotional roller-coaster.
One Lakers fan said: “Then tell Jeanie [Buss] to do somethin!”
Another fan said: “Genuinely one of the best teams I ever watched MAN WTF”
Another fan said: “GOAT I miss it too man!”
One Laker fan vented his anger at Lakers’ front office, saying: “[Rob] Pelinka ruined out team GOAT. We could’ve went back to back.”
With a limited cap room and no roster spot available, the Lakers missed out on their several free agent and trade targets this summer.
The Lakers are running it back with only their rookie head coach JJ Redick as the significant change they have made from last season’s first-round team.
They are banking on James’ greatness to lead them once again to a memorable title run like they did in 2020.