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LeBron James has contemplated a retirement date, yet he refrained from specifying an exact timeline for when he might hang up his sneakers.
“I recognize that I’m on the decline of my career,” the 40-year-old forward stated during his guest appearance on the ‘360 With Speedy’ podcast. “I’m definitely not going to play another 23 years, and I certainly won’t be playing for another 10 years.”
“I’m absolutely preparing for the conclusion of my career. However, I’m not there just yet,” the four-time NBA champion, who has spent 22 seasons in the league, added.
As he readies for his 23rd season after being selected first overall in the 2003 draft, the upcoming 2025-26 season will mark his eighth with the Los Angeles Lakers, following 11 seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers and four with the Miami Heat.
In the previous season, spanning 75 games across both the Regular Season and Playoffs, he recorded impressive averages of 24.5 points, 8.0 assists, 7.9 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. Clearly, he shows no signs of slowing down, though the prospect of retirement is looming.
“Retirement is approaching,” he acknowledged, “but it’s not yet time.”
In the interview, which took place during his recent visit to China, LeBron also discussed various topics, including the controversy surrounding his claim of forecasting Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game in 2006 and naming fellow youth league competitor Derrick Tarver as the finest player he’s ever had to defend against.
