Sustained excellence

But, first there's the pursuit of a fifth title.

James won back-to-back titles with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, then returned to his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers and led them to the crown in 2016.

But, he hasn't won a ring since 2020, when the Lakers triumphed in the league's "COVID bubble" in Orlando.

The Lakers have since been disappointing, reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2023, but being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last spring.

They have struggled to build momentum this season and James looked his age as he battled through a shooting slump that saw him miss all 19 of his three-point attempts in one four-game stretch.

He has also missed games with a foot injury, and illness and seen his points in the paint and efficiency in transition diminish.

But, James delivered a classic on Christmas Day, scoring 31 points and handing out 10 assists as the Lakers edged the Golden State Warriors.

Redick sounds in awe of James's ability to keep rising to the demands of the game.

"For guys like him ... the Tom Bradys of the world, the Roger Federers of the world, it's hard to comprehend having that level of sustained excellence for so long because of the toll that it takes on all of you, not just on your body."

AFP