LeBron James Reflects on Turning 40 and His Future in the NBA

On his 40th birthday, LeBron James reflected on his career, achievements, and the possibility of continuing to play at a high level for years to come. Speaking at practice on his milestone day, LeBron shared his thoughts on aging, retirement, and his current performance in his 22nd NBA season.

A Milestone Birthday Brings Reflection

LeBron admitted that waking up at 40 felt surreal:

“To just wake up and be like, ‘Oh shoot, oh damn, you’re 40?’ It’s kind of laughable,” he said. Despite entering a new decade, LeBron emphasized his ability to maintain a high standard in basketball, saying, “I’m still playing the game at a high level.”

Longevity in the Game

When asked about his future, LeBron made a bold statement:

“If I really wanted to, I could probably play this game at a high level for about another five to seven years.”
However, he clarified that he doesn’t plan to extend his career to that extent, explaining that his eventual retirement won’t stem from a decline in performance but rather from a personal decision.

Unprecedented Performance at 40

LeBron’s stats in his 22nd season are remarkable:

• 23.5 points per game
• 7.9 rebounds per game
• 9.0 assists per game
  His shooting splits of 49.6%/35.7%/76.7% and his streak of not scoring in single digits throughout his 30s highlight his consistency and dominance.

Retirement Plans and Staying a Laker

While LeBron envisions retiring as a Los Angeles Laker, he acknowledges the business realities of the NBA:

“I would love for it to end here… but I’m also not too jaded to know the business of the game.”
He reiterated his desire to stay with the Lakers while maintaining flexibility in case circumstances change.

The Lakers’ New Additions and Championship Aspirations

LeBron also weighed in on the Lakers’ recent acquisitions of Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, praising their potential to enhance the team’s competitiveness. While he believes the Lakers have room for improvement, he remains optimistic about their prospects:

“I think we’re a very good team. I think we have a chance to compete with anybody in the league. Are we at a championship level right now? No. But that’s good because we have room for improvement.”

A Legacy Beyond Basketball

LeBron made it clear that he has no intentions of returning to the game after retirement, unlike Michael Jordan or Tom Brady:

“I would miss the hell out of (basketball), for sure. But no, I won’t walk away and come back.”

Excitement for the Lakers’ Future

Coach JJ Redick shared his excitement about integrating Finney-Smith and Milton into the Lakers’ rotation. Both players bring valuable skills and a strong locker-room presence. Redick plans to keep the current starting lineup—featuring Anthony Davis, LeBron, Rui Hachimura, Max Christie, and Austin Reaves—but remains open to adjustments.

As LeBron celebrates his 40th birthday, his reflections underscore his remarkable career and enduring impact on the game. Whether he plays for another few years or retires soon, his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history is secure.