For the past few years of his career, questions have surfaced about when Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will officially announce his retirement from the game of basketball. The Ohio native signed a two-year,$101.3 million deal with the Lakers this past offseason. This contract includes a player option for next season. Coming into the year, there was no indication about whether James plans on calling it a career at the end of this season. However, James himself recently spoke about his future plans, admitting he plans on retiring sooner rather than later.
After having three straight triple-doubles just shy of him turning 40, I asked LeBron how long he could keep this up if he wanted… pic.twitter.com/JgxRsFsYxw
— Melissa Rohlin (@melissarohlin) November 14, 2024
“I’m not going to play that much longer, to be completely honest. I don’t know how many years that is, if it’s one year, if it’s two years, whatever the case may be. But I’m not – I said that the other night – I’m not playing until the wheels fall off. I’m not going to be that guy. I’m not going to be the guy who’s disrespecting the game because I just want to be out on the floor. No, that won’t be me.”
LeBron James Sheds Some Light On His Retirement Plans
LeBron James’ Season With the Los Angeles Lakers So Far
James is in the midst of his seventh season with the Lakers and 22nd season overall. Despite approaching his 40th birthday, James has shown little signs of slowing down and remains a top player in the league. Through 11 games this season, he is averaging 24.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 9.4 assists. Furthermore, he is shooting 52.4% from the field and an astonishing 45.9% from the three-point line. Additionally, alongside Anthony Davis, James has led the Lakers to a 7-4 record. This is good enough for the No. 6 seed in the West nearly a month into the campaign.
As James put it, he does not plan on “playing until the wheels fall off.” The four-time champion seemingly wants to retire before he hits a notable decline. Given how great James still looks all these years later, it is fair to wonder how far away this decline is from happening. Nonetheless, until he officially calls it a career, it seems that every season of his Lakers career from here on out could be the end.
Where ‘King James’ Will Likely Retire
Throughout his career, James has played for the Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Miami Heat. Depending on when you got into basketball, you may know him best during a specific stint. Regardless, it seems that James will ultimately retire with the Lakers, which is something he hopes will happen.
“I am a Laker and I’m happy and been very happy being a Laker the last six years and hopefully it stays that way. 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, so many greats. But we’ll see.”
Despite what his retirement plans may be, James is vying for one more championship. Whether he can achieve this before it is all said and done remains to be seen.
