LeBron James gives surprising update on retirement timeline

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)AP

It appears the end of LeBron's James' remarkable career may be getting closer.

That

That's according to the man himself.

The 39-year-old Lakers star appeared to address his career timeline following a win against the Grizzlies on Wednesday night in which he posted a triple-double with 35 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds.

"It's not me, it's the mind," James told reporters. "Wherever my mind is is how the rest of my body's gonna go or whatever the case may be. I don't know, I'm not gonna play that much longer to be completely honest. I don't know how many years that is, if it's one year, two years, whatever the case may be."

For the season, James is still as good as ever, averaging 24.3 points, 9.4 assists and 8.1 rebounds for the 7-4 Lakers.

So, while it's hard to see him hanging up the shoes anytime soon, this is year 22, and he's already accomplished the goal of playing with his son, Bronny.

James, who has often been concerned with legacy and the state of the NBA, seemed to indicate he didn't want to outstay his welcome.

"I said the other night that I'm not playing until the wheels fall off. I'm not gonna be that guy. I'm not gonna be the guy that's disrespecting the game because I want to be out there on the floor. That's not gonna be me," he said.

James comments come after ESPN basketball insider Shams Charania reported that next season could be James's last in his hi storic career. Charania did also indicate that James may wait to see if his younger son Bryce can make it to the NBA in the next couple years.

James and the Lakers take on Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs on Friday.

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