LeBron James isn’t done yet, but when the time finally comes, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar already knows exactly what matters most.
Despite still dominating at 41 and leading a team firmly in the championship mix, retirement is no longer just a distant thought – it’s a conversation, and one that centers far more on family than basketball.
“H*** yeah. My wife is going to get a lot of f****** time because I’ve had to sacrifice not being with my wife a lot because I wanted to be the greatest player that ever played this game,” James said speaking to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “My daughter, I’m going to spend a lot of time with her because I spent the first 11 years of her life — or 12, whenever this s*** is over, 13 — being away from her. My youngest son is in college.”
“My family deserves all my time. And then, me. I deserve my time, too,” James added. “Because I’ve dedicated to this sport for so long that I’ll be happy as f*** when it’s all done to get the f*** away and give myself some grace.”
It’s a rare moment of reflection from a player whose career has been defined by longevity, discipline, and relentless pursuit of greatness. While the on-court résumé is already untouchable, James made it clear that stepping away will be about reclaiming time, not chasing anything else.
For now, though, there’s no immediate farewell. With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves expected to strengthen the Lakers lineup, another title push remains firmly in sight.
And even when he does walk away, basketball won’t be far behind. With Bronny James already sharing the court with him and Bryce coming through the ranks, the next chapter may look different, but the game will still be part of it.
READ MORE: Luka Doncic Not Expected to be Available For Next Round: Report