Though we don't have clarity on when LeBron James’s incredible NBA career will come to a close, and though he’s been largely immune to the effects of aging, we’re a lot closer to the end than beginning. The Lakers star was uncharacteristically emotional as he returned to Cleveland on Wednesday night and was feted with a tribute video from the Cavaliers. After the game he intimated that this could have been his last professional appearance in the city where it all started.
James is still an impactful player at the age of 41, but he's passed along the reins to Luka Dončić and missed a significant portion of the year already due to injury. All of these factors combine to create an unusual situation as the NBA All-Star Game looms. For the first time since 2004, he was not selected as a starter. With reserves due to be announced this weekend, he could still be a part of the festivities.
