LeBron James says retirement ‘coming,’ but insists he’s not done yet

LeBron James knows the end of his career is approaching. Who wouldn’t at this stage? But the man has no plans to just walk away.

Appearing on the 360 With Speedy podcast, the Lakers star admitted he is on “the other side of the hump,” but stressed that he is still committed to at least this season. And hey, maybe another. Again, who knows?

“I’m not about to play another 23 years, and I’m not about to play another 10,” James said. “I’m definitely gearing up to where the end is. I’m not there yet. Retirement is coming, it is coming. It’s just not here just yet.”

James, 40, is about to begin his unprecedented 23rd NBA season. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 70 games last year, showing he remains one of the league’s most reliable stars despite four decades on the planet.

The Lakers, of course, are counting on him to keep producing while Luka Doncic settles into his role as the face of the franchise. With veteran newcomers such as Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart signing on, Los Angeles believes it can contend in the West yet again.

So while James admits he is closer to the finish line than the starting line, the message is clear. He is not finished. Not yet.