On the latest episode of Mind The Game, LeBron James and Steph Curry reflect back on the memorable 2016 NBA Finals.

Who will replace LeBron James as the new face of the NBA? That same question was once asked about Michael Jordan in 2003, when His Airness was on the verge of never playing basketball again.

Dave McMenamin posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the superstar has been cleared to return to contact basketball activity. From the Lakers: LeBron James has progressed to contact basketball activity and will be reevaluated by team physicians in approximately 1-2 weeks. Any further updates will be provided at that time.

How on Earth did a statement that began with the words "LeBron wants..." create so many questions about what LeBron wants? We've never really gotten clarity. James went dark for most of the summer. His media day quotes were pretty benign.

There’s movement, already, in the NBA's balance of power.

Speaking on the latest episode of “Mind the Game” — the podcast hosted by James and Steve Nash — Curry revealed the one way the four-time MVP left him in awe during their time together on Team USA. Curry said he had heard of James’ legendary work ethic, but witnessing it firsthand offered a new perspective.

While James remains sidelined, NBA legend Charles Barkley isn’t buying the injury explanation. He believes age is the real reason behind James’ absence.