Lakers’ LeBron James Expected to Play 1-2 More Years by NBA Insiders
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During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported a potential timeline for James’ eventual retirement.
“Most people I talk to around LeBron James, about LeBron James, [say] one to two more years is definitely the expectation,” Charania said.
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At 39 years old, James is still at the top of his game. He scored 40 points in Los Angeles’ 116-104 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, joining the legendary Michael Jordan as the only players in NBA history with multiple 40-point games after turning 39. When asked about how long he thinks he can keep this up, James admitted that the end is coming sooner rather than later.
“Not very long,” he said. “Not very long. I’m on the other side, obviously, of the hill. So I’m not going to play another 21 years, that’s for damn sure. But not very long. I don’t know what or when that door will close as far as when I retire, but I don’t have much time left.”
In his 21st season, James leads the Lakers with 25.4 points and 8.1 assists per game while also posting 7.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals. Los Angeles ranks ninth in the Western Conference with a 42-33 record, so the road to his fifth championship ring will not be easy. Still, his commitment hasn’t wavered.
“Not much tangible left for him to prove, but clearly he still loves the game and still wants to win [another] ring in L.A.,” Charania said. “But I think people around him, people around the league still believe he’s gonna play another one or two years, but beyond that, I’m not so sure.”
James will be trying to lead the Lakers to their seventh win in their last eight games when they face the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night.
