LeBron James celebrated his 40th birthday on Monday, reflecting on his remarkable basketball career with a sense of gratitude and optimism. As the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, James continues to defy expectations, playing at an elite level even as he enters his 22nd season. However, he’s realistic about the eventual end of his career, acknowledging that his time in the league is limited.
When asked how he’ll know it’s time to retire, James offered a candid assessment of his current form. “To be honest, if I really wanted to, I could probably play this game at a high level for about another five or seven years, if I wanted to,” he said. “But I’m not going to do that.” James, now 40, is already one of the longest-tenured players in NBA history, with 22 seasons under his belt. Yet, despite his age, he remains one of the league’s most dominant players, averaging 23.5 points, 9.0 assists, and 7.9 rebounds this season for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Reflecting on his career, James marveled at his longevity, noting how far he has come since entering the league as an 18-year-old. “It’s kind of laughable, really, to know where I am, to see where I am still, playing the game at a high level,” he said. “Still being such a young man, but old in the scheme of how many years I’ve got in this profession.” He acknowledged the surreal nature of reaching 40, saying, “I had a decade of the 30s, so to just wake up and just be like, ‘Oh shoot, oh damn, you’re 40?’”
James is also keenly aware of the passage of time in his personal life. Two months ago, he and his son, Bronny, made history as the first father and son duo to play in the NBA together. It’s a milestone that underscores how far he’s come in his career and as a father.
Despite his individual achievements, James remains focused on the Lakers’ team goals. He’s encouraged by their performance under new head coach JJ Redick and recent roster additions, such as veteran wing defender Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton. “Right now, I think we’re a very good team,” James said. “I think we have a chance to compete with anybody in the league.” However, he tempered expectations, acknowledging the team still has room to grow.
James also expressed his desire to retire with the Lakers, the team he joined in 2018. “I would love for it to end here,” he said. Though he understands the business of basketball, James believes his relationship with the Lakers speaks for itself.
As LeBron enters this new chapter of his career, fans continue to marvel at his longevity and impact on the game, knowing that his time in the NBA is drawing closer to its end.
