LeBron James’ ‘tank’ is far from empty, with Bronny and more keeping his motor running
New York TimesLOS ANGELES — LeBron James looked like a man fulfilled at the Los Angeles Lakers’ practice facility Monday, when the 39-year-old with the beaming smile and youthful energy added yet another meaningful item to the resume that, much like his storied career, seems to never end. “To go out there at my age, with the miles that I have, and to be able to play at the level I played at, it gave me … even more of a sense of ‘OK, I do have a lot in the tank — a lot,’” said James, who signed a two-year, $104 million extension during the summer that includes a player option for next season. That was good to relive that moment.” James is known to enjoy a Theodore Roosevelt quote that he writes on his sneakers — “The man in the arena.” It captures the spirit of his sporting experience, describing what it’s like to bear the burden of center stage as a way of life. “Comparison is the thief of joy.” So what happens if James’ latest Lakers experience simply doesn’t compare to his time with the national team, and if that competitive fire that is burning so bright again starts to fade because the environment around him doesn’t support such lofty aspirations, no matter how great he might still be?