LeBron James makes huge statement about his NBA future on 40th birthday
LeBron James has revealed he wants to end his basketball career with the LA Lakers, despite insisting he understands how the “business” side of the sport works.
The NBA icon, who turned 40 on Monday, discussed his future with a group of reporters on his birthday as the Lakers prepare to face his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, on New Year’s Eve.
When asked if he was considering retiring in Los Angeles, LeBron emphasized that he would like to.
However, he then dropped a subtle hint that basketball politics could deny him that fairytale ending.
“I think that’s the plan,” LeBron said of retiring as a Laker. “I would like it to end here, that would be the plan.
“I came here to play the last phase of my career and finish it here, but I’m also not crazy or too jaded to know the business of the game. I know the business of basketball.
LeBron James has revealed that he wants to end his basketball career with the LA Lakers
The all-time basketball great discussed his future in the sport after turning 40
“But I think my relationship with this organization speaks for itself, and hopefully I won’t have to go anywhere until my career is over.”
As for how long his career could last, the four-time NBA champion believes he can operate at the highest level for at least another half-decade.
“It won’t be because I can’t play this game at a high level,” LeBron said when asked what could lead him to retirement.
“Honestly, if I really wanted to, I could probably play this game at a high level for another five to seven years. If I wanted to, but I’m not going to do that.’
James has built a legacy as arguably the greatest basketball player of all time in his remarkable 22-year career.
To list some of his accolades; he’s already the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, has a place in the GOAT conversation with Michael Jordan, most minutes played, four NBA championships and three Olympic gold medals, plus 20 and likely soon to be 21 All-Star selections.
Now that he’s turned 40, the Lakers great is also about to become the first player ever to step onto an NBA court in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s.