Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, who recorded a career-high-tying nine three-pointers during Sunday’s win Brooklyn Nets, says the time he has left in the NBA is “not very long.”
“I’m not gonna play another 21 years, that’s for damn sure,” James said after Sunday’s win, per The Athletic’s Jovan Buha. “But, not very long. I don’t know when that door will close as far when I’ll retire, but I don’t have much time left.”
Jovan Buha@jovanbuha
LeBron James on how long he expects to continue playing in the NBA: “Not very long. … I’m not gonna play another 21 years, that’s for damn sure. But not very long. I don’t know when that door will close as far as when I’ll retire. But I don’t have much time left.” <a href=”https://t.co/OtJzM6cheI”>pic.twitter.com/OtJzM6cheI</a>
James racked up 40 points while adding seven rebounds and five assists in the Lakers’ 116-104 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
The Lakers star, who turned 39 in December, has a $54.1 million player option on his contract for the 2024-25 season.
After the option, James is currently set to become an unrestricted free agent following the end of the 2024-25 season.
James is averaging over 25 points per game for the 20th straight season during a campaign that led him to become the first player in NBA history to score 40,000 points.
Because he’s been in the league since age 18, James has been an NBA player for longer than he hasn’t been an NBA player, as noted by USA Today‘s Jim Sergent and Ramon Padilla.
James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin in January 2023 that he wanted to wait to retire until he was able to play with his son, Bronny, who recently finished his freshman season at USC.
That was before Bronny suffered cardiac arrest during a summer workout, leading to emergency surgery and a delay to his USC debut. He finished the season having averaged 4.8 points and 2.1 assists in 19.3 minutes through 25 games, mostly off the bench.
James’ son has not yet decided whether he will be entering the 2024 draft, with his agent Rich Paul saying it depends on which teams are interested in drafting him, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Bronny’s future in the NBA, it remains to be seen if his draft year will influence James’ decision to sign a new contract.
For now, the Lakers will hope James chooses to keep playing in Los Angeles next season. The option decision deadline is June 29, according to Spotrac.
News
Lebron James Mental Breakdown Bronny James Admits He Really Don’t Want To Play With His Dad In NBA!
In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the basketball community, Bronny James has admitted that he does not want to play in the NBA alongside his legendary father, LeBron James. This unexpected admission has reportedly caused a mental breakdown for LeBron, adding a…
Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony get into “parental fight” at their sons Bryce and Kiyan basketball game
Proud dads showed how passionate the basketball game can be Lebron James and Carmelo AnthonyAP The game between Bryce James and Kiyan Anthony drew significant attention, not only because of their famous fathers, Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony, but also due to their remarkable…
Lebron James – Filial Son Who Makes The Whole World Admire: Gifted A Villa Worth More Than 40 Million Usd And An Exclusive Mercedes-Amg G 63 To His Mother On Her 50Th Birthday
LeBron James, celebrated globally for his illustrious basketball career, is equally revered for his deep love and respect for his mother, Gloria James. On her 50th 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡day, LeBron made headlines by gifting her a luxurious villa worth more than $40…
Bronny James’ NBA Draft stock could rise again after new revelation
LeBron‘s son had an excellent combine Lapresse Bronny James, the eldest son of NBA legend LeBron James, will know in a few weeks’ time whether he will have the opportunity to play pro basketball with his father in 2024. Bronny has emerged as a polarizing…
George Karl thinks LeBron James is no longer an NBA superstar
These days, people are living longer and aging more gracefully than in decades past. The trend is especially true in sports, where it is no longer unusual to see someone play 20 seasons as a pro athlete, especially in the…
LeBron James Warns Pacers: Facing Celtics Is a Nightmare, Praising Their Versatile Lineup & Impact in NBA Playoffs
LeBron James and his Los Angeles Lakers may have been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets, but the four-time NBA champion remains deeply invested in the unfolding Eastern Conference Finals (ECF). With the series underway…
End of content
No more pages to load