LeBron James has made it plain when he plans to leave the NBA.

LeBron James has been the face of the NBA for over two decades, breaking records, winning championships, and solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. However, as he enters the twilight of his career, speculation about his retirement has grown. Recently, LeBron has made his thoughts on retirement clearer, giving fans and analysts a glimpse into how and when he plans to leave the game.

A Living Legend

LeBron James’ career is nothing short of extraordinary. Drafted first overall in 2003 by the Cleveland Cavaliers, he has since played for the Miami Heat, returned to Cleveland to win a title, and then joined the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won another championship in 2020. At 40 years old, LeBron continues to play at an elite level, proving that age is just a number.

Despite his longevity, even he acknowledges that he cannot play forever. Over the past year, he has dropped several hints about when he plans to step away from the NBA, giving fans a bittersweet reality check.

LeBron’s Statements on Retirement

In recent interviews, LeBron has provided some clarity on his retirement plans. He has emphasized that he will not continue playing just for the sake of it but will retire while still performing at a high level.

“I don’t have much time left,” LeBron stated in a recent interview. “I know I’m on the other side of the hill. I’m not playing another 21 years, that’s for damn sure.”

LeBron’s words suggest that while he still loves the game, he is aware that his time is limited. Unlike many players who struggle to let go, LeBron appears to be preparing for the moment when he must step away.

The Lakers: His Final Destination

LeBron has also made it clear that he hopes to retire as a Los Angeles Laker. Since joining the franchise in 2018, he has built a strong bond with the organization and has expressed his desire to finish his career in purple and gold.

“I would love for it to end here,” LeBron said. “That would be the plan. I came here to play the last stage of my career.”

However, he also acknowledged the unpredictability of the business side of basketball. With contract negotiations and potential team changes always in the mix, he understands that things might not go exactly as planned. Nevertheless, his preference is to retire as a Laker, leaving behind a legacy with one of the most storied franchises in NBA history.

Playing With His Sons

One of the most talked-about aspects of LeBron’s retirement plans is his desire to play alongside his son, Bronny James. LeBron has long expressed his dream of sharing the court with his eldest son in the NBA, something that has never been done at the highest level of basketball.

This dream took a step closer to reality when Bronny was drafted by the Lakers. Playing on the same team as his son is a historic achievement that LeBron has called “one of the greatest moments of my life.” However, whether this will extend his career remains to be seen.

LeBron has also hinted that he might wait for his younger son, Bryce James, to enter the league, which could push his retirement back a few more years. If he decides to stick around for Bryce, we could see LeBron playing into his mid-40s, though he has not committed to this idea fully.

How Long Can LeBron Play?

LeBron’s ability to maintain a high level of play at his age is unprecedented. He continues to put up All-Star numbers, leading the Lakers in points, assists, and rebounds on many nights. He has often stated that he wants to leave the game while still playing at an elite level, rather than hanging on until his skills decline drastically.

“If I really wanted to, I could probably play this game at a high level for another five to seven years,” LeBron stated. “But I’m not going to do that.”

This statement suggests that while he could continue playing, he does not want to be in the league simply for the sake of being there. Unlike some athletes who fade out slowly, LeBron wants to leave while still being dominant, ensuring that his last memories on the court are of greatness rather than decline.

Comparing to Other NBA Legends

LeBron’s career longevity is often compared to other all-time greats. Michael Jordan retired for the final time at 40, while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played until he was 42. Kobe Bryant retired at 37 due to injuries, while Tim Duncan walked away at 39.

What makes LeBron unique is that he is still playing at an MVP level despite being in the league for over 20 years. Unlike most superstars who experience a significant decline in their late 30s, LeBron has maintained an elite level of play, proving his ability to defy Father Time.

What’s Next for LeBron?

LeBron has always been more than just a basketball player. He has built a massive business empire, owning a stake in sports teams, investing in Hollywood, and launching successful ventures in media and entertainment. When he does retire, he will likely shift his focus to these areas, ensuring that his presence is still felt both in and out of the sports world.

Additionally, there is speculation that LeBron may eventually transition into an ownership role. He has spoken about his desire to own an NBA franchise, possibly expanding the league into a new market. Given his influence and wealth, this is a realistic possibility.

Another potential path is coaching. While LeBron has never explicitly stated that he wants to be a coach, his basketball IQ and leadership abilities suggest that he could excel in a mentoring role. Whether as a head coach, team executive, or owner, LeBron’s post-retirement career is bound to be just as impactful as his playing days.

While LeBron has yet to announce an exact retirement date, his recent statements indicate that he is nearing the end of his illustrious career. Whether he plays another season or extends his career to match up with Bryce remains to be seen. However, what is certain is that LeBron James will go down as one of the greatest athletes in history.

For now, fans should cherish every game he plays, knowing that the era of LeBron James is slowly coming to a close. When he finally does hang up his jersey, the impact he has left on basketball and sports culture will be felt for generations to come.