LeBron James talks about retirement plans, will play until 2030.

On Monday, LeBron James celebrated his 40th birthday, a milestone that marks a remarkable journey in the NBA. However, despite the passage of time, the legendary forward shows no signs of slowing down. Now in Year 22 of his illustrious career, LeBron continues to compete at an elite level, defying age and Father Time with each game. Even as his physical attributes like speed and strength have somewhat diminished, his basketball IQ, skill, and leadership remain top-notch, helping him remain one of the NBA’s top talents.

LeBron James: Playing Into His 40s and Beyond?

LeBron’s journey through the NBA is a testament to his longevity, and as he turned 40, the future of his career became a hot topic. Despite having already accomplished everything one could dream of in basketball — four championships, a No. 1 ranking on the all-time scoring list, and the opportunity to play alongside his son Bronny James — LeBron’s competitive spirit shows no signs of waning. He continues to lead the Los Angeles Lakers in their quest for another NBA title, and his performance this season demonstrates his ability to continue at a high level.

When asked about his retirement plans during his birthday celebrations, LeBron James was candid. “It won’t be because I can’t play this game at a high level,” he said, expressing his confidence in his continued ability to play. “To be honest, 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 gonna do that.” While it’s clear that LeBron still feels capable of playing for years to come, he remains committed to his plan to retire at some point, though the timeline remains uncertain.

LeBron’s Retirement Plan: Staying with the Lakers

As for when LeBron will retire, he emphasized that the decision would be on his terms. “The plan is to retire as a Laker,” he stated, reinforcing his commitment to finishing his career with the team he joined for the “last stage” of his career. His remarks reflect a deep connection to the Los Angeles Lakers and their fans, and his desire to go out on his own terms in the purple and gold.

However, despite being in the twilight of his career, LeBron’s stats show that he remains an essential part of the Lakers’ success. This season, he has continued to perform at a high level, contributing significantly to the team’s performance. Even as his scoring average has dropped, LeBron’s leadership and impact on the court are undeniable.

LeBron James’ Stats in 2024: A Testament to Longevity

As LeBron entered his 40s, his current statistics for the 2024-25 NBA season are impressive, even if they represent a decline from his earlier years. At the time of his birthday celebration, James was averaging 23.5 points per game, his lowest since his rookie season in 2003-04. However, this still places him 22nd in the league in scoring, showcasing that even at 40, LeBron remains a top-tier contributor to his team.

LeBron’s 2024-25 season stats:

Points per game: 23.5

Games played: 28 of 31

Rank: 22nd in scoring

This season, LeBron’s presence on the court has been consistent, playing in 28 of the Lakers’ first 31 games, and contributing across all aspects of the game. His leadership and experience continue to be a driving force for the Lakers, as he works towards a potential fifth NBA championship. While his scoring numbers may be lower than in his prime, LeBron still demonstrates the ability to impact the game in numerous ways, from playmaking to defense, all while maintaining the respect of his peers.

What’s Next for LeBron James?

At 40 years old, LeBron James has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever play the game. While his future in the NBA remains unclear, one thing is certain: he will leave the game when he is ready, and not a moment sooner. For now, LeBron continues to play at a high level, bringing invaluable leadership to the Lakers and showing no signs of retiring soon.

As the 2024-25 NBA season progresses, fans will eagerly watch to see how much longer the King can reign. With the Lakers looking to build a championship-contending roster around LeBron, the possibility of a fifth NBA title is within reach. Whether or not LeBron decides to play into his mid-40s, one thing is clear — LeBron James is still one of the most dominant forces in the NBA, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

LeBron James retirement rumors and NBA season updates will no doubt continue to swirl around as the superstar plays out the final years of his career. Stay tuned for more updates on his potential retirement plans and his quest for a fifth NBA championship.