Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has played 21 NBA seasons, but the Akron, Ohio native isn’t sure how much longer he can play basketball. It’s not that the 39-year-old isn’t still producing at a high level. He’s averaging 25.4 points per game, ranking in the top 15 of scorers entering NBA games today.
But at 39 years old, having played 56,381 minutes in his NBA career alone, James knows he doesn’t have much time left on the hardwood. On Sunday, just after scoring 40 points in the Lakers’ 116-104 win over the Brooklyn Nets, James was asked how much longer he’ll play in the NBA. Here was his response:
“Not very long. I’m on the other side of the heel. I’m not going to play another 21 years. That’s for damn sure. Not very long. I don’t know when that door will close as far as when I retire, but I don’t have much time left.”
LeBron James on how much longer he’ll be in the NBA
LeBron James on how much longer he’ll play in the NBA: “Not very long. I’m on the other side of the heel. I’m not going to play another 21 years. That’s for damn sure. Not very long. I don’t know when that door will close as far as when I retire, but I don’t have much time left.” pic.twitter.com/4FYeriGaDP
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) April 1, 2024
It doesn’t sound like James is thinking about retiring at season’s end, and from seeing him still dominate his competition in relation to other NBA athletes, there’s no reason to walk away any time soon. Yet, even as the four-time NBA MVP admits, his days are numbered.
Related: NBA MVP race
Related: NBA Rookie of the Year race