LeBron James has taken a few wins against Father Time, but he comes for everyone eventually.
The Lakers star is in the middle of his 21st NBA season, set to embark on his record-setting 20th consecutive NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis on Sunday.
Ahead of the weekend’s main event, James spoke to the media and addressed the question of when his illustrious career might come to an end. At 39 years old and with over two decades, 1,750 total games and 65,000 total minutes played in the league, it should come as no surprise that James’ final chapter will close soon.
Just how soon — and how it will end — is still to be determined by the man himself, though.
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LeBron James addresses Lakers future, retirement plans
James was non-committal when asked about his plans.
“I have not mapped out how many seasons I have left. I know it’s not that many,” James told the media ahead of the 2024 NBA All-Star Game.
“I was asked this question a couple of days ago: ‘Will you kind of take the farewell tour or will you kinda just Tim Duncan it?'” James joked, in reference to Duncan abruptly announcing his retirement after 19 dominant seasons to end his Hall of Fame career.
“I’m 50-50. I’mma be honest,” James said as he reflected on his answer.
“There’s times where I feel like I owe it to my fans that’s been along this journey with me for two decades plus. To be able to give them that moment where it’s every city and they give you your flowers. That seems cool.
“But the other side of, I’ve never been that great with accepting praise. It’s a weird feeling for me. I’ve never really talked about it much, but it’s a weird feeling for me. I’ve seen Mike’s [Last Dance], I’ve seen Kobe’s [farewell tour]. I’ve seen a lot of guys. I just don’t know how I feel, or if I would feel great about it.”
Lakers’ LeBron James: “I don’t know how many seasons I have left. I know it’s not that many. … I was asked this question a couple days ago: ‘Will you take the farewell tour or just Tim Duncan it?’ I’m 50/50.” pic.twitter.com/G6olIePlnG
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) February 18, 2024
James’ immediate future in the NBA has raised some questions as of late, too. His name bubbled up around the trade deadline, given he has the potential to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. He faces a $ 51.4 million player option with the Lakers and has been very vocal about his desire to play with his son, Bronny, should he declare for the 2024 NBA Draft after his freshman season at USC.
MORE: NBA teams think LeBron could take pay cut to play with son Bronny
James reiterated that on top of being undecided on when his career will end, he’s not sure where it will end, either.
“I am a Laker. I’ve been very happy being a Laker the last six years and hopefully it stays that way,” James stated plainly. “But I don’t have the answer to how long it is or which uniform I’ll be in. Hopefully, it is with the Lakers. It’s a great organization and so many greats, but we’ll see.
“I don’t know how it’s going to end but it’s coming,” he said, talking about retirement to close his presser.
James continues to rewrite the history books for what a veteran with his mileage should be capable of. He’s still averaging 24.8 points, 7.8 assists and 7.2 rebounds per game. He is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with four championships, four Finals MVPs, four regular-season MVPs, 19 All-NBA honors and 20 All-Star appearances.
The list goes on and on, as has his career to this point.
James’ immaculate run is coming to a close sooner than later. Appreciate his greatness while you still can.
