LeBron James is in year 21 showing no signs of slowing down. But after putting up 40 points, seven rebounds, five assists in a 116-104 road win over the Brooklyn Nets, James opened up slightly about his basketball mortality.
“Not very long,” James said in reference to how much longer he would play in the NBA. “I’m not going to play another 21 years, that’s for damn sure. I don’t know when that door will close, but I don’t have much time left.”
It’s worth noting that LeBron has previously hinted that retirement could be just around the corner. After being swept by the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference finals, James bluntly said he would consider retirement that summer.
This always seemed highly unlikely considering James is still at the peak of his powers. The other factor heavily influencing LeBron’s retirement plans is his son, Bronny.
James has openly spoken about his desire to play with his son on multiple occasions, and the USC freshman would have to wait until October this year to play in the NBA at the earliest.
Some believe Bronny will return for his sophomore year of college, including ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givoney, who projects Bronny will be drafted in 2025.
If Bronny returns for a second year at USC, James would have to play two more seasons after this one in order to play alongside his son.
Don’t expect a retirement announcement just yet.
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