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Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James aspires to play alongside his son one day

By James Francuz

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 28: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and his son LeBron James Jr., on the court after the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers basketball game at Staples Center on December 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 28: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and his son LeBron James Jr., on the court after the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers basketball game at Staples Center on December 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has accomplished quite a bit in his illustrious career. However, a future goal of his could be his crowning achievement.

Whenever the sun sets on the career of Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, he will go down as one of the very best to ever lace them up. One could make the argument James is already the best small forward in league history.

His accomplishments are numerous, to say the least. The man possesses four NBA titles, four Finals MVP trophies, and four regular-season MVPs. His most recent championship was earned this past season with the Lakers, making them the third different franchise he has won a title with.

Certainly, James’ primary goal in terms of this season is to run it back and have a ring for every finger on one of his hands. That element alone is providing him with more than enough incentive at the time being.

While that is true, it is not to say LeBron does not have any other aspirations on his mind. In the aftermath of Sunday night’s All-Star Game, James revealed to the media one of his long-term dreams. It is a goal he has made clear on numerous occasions and is one that he chose to reemphasize.

On the night in question, James made it no secret that he yearns to play with his teenage son, Bronny, prior to calling it a career. Tim Daniels of Bleacher Report took the time to transcribe what the Lakers’ star said on the matter.

"“That’s definitely one of my goals, but that’s a long-term goal,” James told reporters Sunday following the 2021 NBA All-Star Game. “My son right now is in high school and enjoying what being a teenager is all about. But that would be pretty cool to go on my resume.”"

Granted some folks may call it nothing more than a pipe dream, think again. Although LeBron James is amid his 18th season in the NBA, he is playing like he is still in his prime.

As a matter of fact, one could easily contend that No. 23 is one of the league’s premier MVP candidates this season. James currently holds averages of 25.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per contest. It is worth noting that the 17-time All-Star has only missed one game thus far as well.

On both of those notes, it is reasonable to say LeBron is not exactly slowing down. He is defying Father Time and while the latter is undefeated, the kid from Akron is putting up some kind of fight against the fictional being.

Given that his long-term goal is what it is, too, it will surely motivate James to continue to do everything possible to stay in shape. The Lakers’ franchise player has taken immense pride in this department his whole career. Therefore, it is safe to say James is not going to cut corners anytime soon.

The timeline of LeBron James playing with his son:

To transition to Bronny, LeBron’s eldest child is currently a sophomore at Sierra Canyon High School. The young blood is one of the 30 best high school prospects in the country per Orlando Silva of Fadeaway World and, much like his father, has often been touted for his court vision.

While Bronny’s upside is irrefutable, the interesting thing to be mindful of here is LeBron’s contract. As Silva pointed out, the seasoned veteran inked a two-year extension with the purple and gold in the offseason. Coincidentally (or perhaps not), that is the same year James’ son graduates from high school.

Sam Quinn of CBS Sports believes LeBron’s contract was structured the way it is for a reason. He coins the timing as “no accident,” and alludes to a future possibility.

MORE ON LEBRON JAMES: LeBron’s best games against the Cleveland Cavaliers

If the league opts to change its eligibility rules by the end of LeBron’s contract, his son will have the world at his fingertips. In that event, Bronny could enter the NBA out of high school just like his father.

If this scenario were to pan out, LeBron Sr. would definitely be one proud papa. Furthermore, because of his contract situation, it would grant him the freedom to sign with whoever gives Bronny a chance.

Despite what is on the back of LeBron’s mind, he is likely concerned with the present more so than the future. With the All-Star festivities in the books, his focus is to help prepare the Lakers for another championship run.

Without a doubt, winning another title would an excellent feat for the Lakers and James. Doing so would enable the Lakers to surpass the Boston Celtics for the most chips in league history. If L.A. wins back-to-back titles, LeBron James would add a fifth one to an already spectacular resume.

Even though doing so would be awesome, LeBron’s future ambition of playing alongside his son would be something else. It would transcend the game of basketball.

While championships are permanent, the feeling that would arise within LeBron if his wish is granted would be indescribable. It would not be a tangible achievement per se, but it would arguably be the climactic point of his storied career.

As previously echoed, the Lakers’ phenom has won plenty of awards and has his name cemented all over the record books. Trophies and books gradually accumulate dust over the course of time, though.

However, if his son ultimately makes it into the NBA, the magnitude and meaning would outweigh all else. It is the sort of highlight that would be heads and tails greater than any rim-rocking slam dunk or buzzer-beater.

It would be an internal win for the lack of a better word. It is the type of win that is not going to be recorded in a box score, but it would feel truly special nevertheless.

Due to LeBron being a father, there is likely nothing more on planet Earth that he would like than to see his son succeed. Any good parent would hope for precisely the same for his or her kid.

Of course, if he actually gets the golden opportunity to play alongside his talented son, it would be icing on the cake. It is the sort of thing that would not gather mounds of dust as time sallies forth. It would be an everlasting memory.

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Speaking of which, time will tell what the future has in store. However, LeBron James’ future goal is an admirable one and hopefully becomes a reality we all get to witness a few years from now.