LeBron James Finally Discusses His Retirement Plans

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Wright | Last updated Dec 31, 2024 2:49 PM ET

Even in his 22nd NBA season, LeBron James continues to defy conventional wisdom. The Lakers superstar, who turned 40 on Monday, is putting up numbers that would be impressive for a player of any age: 23.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and nine assists per game through his first 28 appearances this season.

While some all-time greats managed to play into their 40s, most did so in diminished roles. James, however, remains a franchise cornerstone - though he's surprisingly candid about his future plans:

"If I really wanted to, I could probably play this game at a high level for about another – weird that I might say this – but about another five or seven years, if I wanted to... But I'm not going to do that."

To this point, James's NBA journey reads like a Hollywood script. The Akron, Ohio native entered the league in 2003 as perhaps the most hyped prospect in NBA history. The Cleveland Cavaliers, playing just miles from his hometown, made him the first overall pick. What followed was a seven-year run that transformed the franchise before his controversial departure to Miami brought both criticism and championships - two rings in four straight Finals appearances.

His 2014 return to Cleveland completed the redemption arc. Four more Finals trips followed, including the drought-breaking 2016 championship that forever changed his legacy. Now in Los Angeles, he's added another title while achieving something unprecedented - becoming the first father to play alongside his son in an NBA game when Bronny made his debut in October.

Speaking about his 22-year odyssey, James displayed characteristic perspective:

"I didn't give myself a timetable of how long I would play the game. I told myself I wanted to maximize the time I had in the league and I wanted to be as great as I could be."

While the elder James continues his assault on the record books, Bronny has found his rhythm in the G League, scoring double figures in seven of eight recent contests. But LeBron's made one thing clear - when he eventually steps away, there won't be any comebacks. The game's most scrutinized career will end on his terms.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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