LeBron James has shown no signs of slowing down through the early part of the season, but it does not sound like the MVP-caliber play is going to have any impact on his timeline for retirement.
James recorded his third consecutive triple-double on Wednesday night to lead the Lakers to a 128-123 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif. After the game, a reporter asked LeBron how long he believes he can continue to play at an elite level. The 39-year-old had a noteworthy response.
“Obviously, it’s the mind. Wherever my mind is is how the rest of my body’s gonna go, whatever the case may be,” LeBron said. “I don’t know. I’m not gonna play that much longer, to be completely honest. I don’t know how many years that is, if it’s one year, two years, whatever the case may be. I said the other night I’m not playing until the wheels fall off. I’m not gonna be that guy. I’m not gonna be the guy that’s disrespecting the game because I just want to be out on the floor. Nope, that won’t be me.”
LeBron James on how much longer he thinks he’ll play:
“I don’t know. I’m not gonna play that much longer. If it’s 1 year, 2 years, whatever the case may be. I’m not playing until the wheels fall off. I’m not gonna be the guy that’s disrespecting the game.”
(via @jovanbuha) pic.twitter.com/Impjfhhcwt
— Witness King James (@WITNESSKJ) November 14, 2024
In other words, James is not opposed to retiring while his game is still at its peak. He has already defied odds by continuing to look like one of the best players in the NBA as his 40th birthday approaches. Assuming he avoided major injuries, LeBron could probably continue to make a significant impact on the court for another four or five years. As of now, he clearly does not intend to stick around that long.
LeBron has already accomplished one massive goal this season. It goes without saying that he would like to win a fifth championship, but he is not going to chase that ring as a 45-year-old role player.
