Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James isn’t going anywhere. At least he’s not planning to.
On his 40th birthday, the four-time NBA MVP and four-time NBA champion told reporters that he wants to retire with the storied franchise.
LeBron James says, if he wanted to, he could still play at a high level for another 5 to 7 years. pic.twitter.com/HjJpP6B9ho
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) December 30, 2024
“That would be the plan,” he says. “I came here to play the last stage of my career and to finish it off here. But I’m also not silly or too jaded to know the business of the game as well, to know the business of basketball. But I think my relationship with this organization speaks for itself and hopefully, I don’t got to go nowhere before my career is over.”
What Scenario Leads To LeBron James Not Retiring With Lakers?
James’s comments are worth examining if only because of who he is. One of the most decorated and accomplished stars in NBA history, he might still be the most complete player pound-for-pound despite being 40.
LeBron James, the oldest active player in the NBA, turns 40 years old today 🎂
👑 57,579 MINS – 1st in NBA history
👑 41,131 PTS – 1st in NBA history
👑 11,219 AST – 4th in NBA history
👑 11,405 REB – 28th in NBA history
👑 2,466 3PM – 7th in NBA history
👑 4x NBA MVP
👑 4x NBA… pic.twitter.com/obQcvRlUTR— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 30, 2024
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama –who are like the Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come to James’s Ghost of Christmas Past –make it a conversation. Jokic is a walking triple-double with unique moves, a feathery touch, and an elite basketball IQ. Wembanyama can do everything a team needs while being 7-foot-3.
James can score in any way, make any pass, and possessed otherworldly athleticism when he entered the league. He’s only teasing that he could play “another five to seven years” at “a high level.” However, it’s a testament to his longevity that he makes it difficult to dismiss that possibility.
Because James has been so successful and has retained much of his dominance even while being past his prime, he’s the type of player who would have several suitors if he became available via trade or free agency. There seem to be just two reasons that would happen though.
Due to his desire to play for a title-contender, the Lakers have to be a highly competitive team. Though it’s not quite championship or bust for James, it’s quite close. Like Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, his love for an organization won’t determine whether he stays with them. Los Angeles, like Golden State, has to prove themselves worthy of having a player of his stature. The 20-time All-Star may not force an in-season trade but he could leave at any point.
Despite the Lakers’ deep respect for James, they could also try to pivot away from him. If they’ve peaked, having him on the roster just to say he retired with them does more harm than good. In a trade, Los Angeles can acquire draft assets or established talent that allowed for more sustainable success. If opts out of his contract this offseason, they’ll be well on their way towards freeing up their projected maximum of $26.5 million in cap space. That could be enough to sign a young rising star, like Brooklyn Nets impending free agent Cam Thomas.
