As LeBron James prepares for his 23rd season in the NBA, whispers of him walking away from the game and into retirement have become louder.
James set the record straight recently on “360 With Speedy,” during his tour of China for Nike. He was asked about retirement and hinted at calling it a career soon after fans noticed him picking up a new hobby, playing golf.
“I’m not hinting at anything,” James said. “Obviously, I know I’m on the other side of the hump, for sure. Come on now, I’m not about to play another 23 years, that’s for damn sure, and I’m not about to play another 10. I’m definitely gearing up to where the end is, I’m not there yet.”
At 40 years old, James has played more NBA seasons than anyone in the history of the league other than Hall of Famer Vince Carter, who also played 22 years. If James plays the 2025-26 season as expected, he’ll have played longer (23 seasons) than any other player to ever step on an NBA court.
The number 23 has been an important part of James’ career. It’s the number James has worn for most of his time in the NBA; he’s entering season No. 23, and the reason he’s currently touring China as part of the “Forever King” promotional campaign is to celebrate James’ soon-to-be-released 23rd Nike sneaker.
While the four-time NBA champion and MVP has picked up new hobbies, he doesn’t sound like a guy who’s ready to hang up the sneakers.
“Listen guys, every time I pick up something new, it does not mean retirement,” James explained. “It’s just something I want to do, just a little hobby. But retirement is coming, it is coming. It’s just not here just yet.”
Even at 40 years of age, James is still one of the best players and most recognizable faces in the NBA. Last season, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game on 51.3% shooting from the field. James also made nearly 37.6% of his 3-point attempts last year, which is the fourth best of his career, and played in 70 games. James even finished sixth in MVP voting last season.
Although the clock is running down on the LeBron James era in the NBA, he’ll get his shot at making a few more great moments as the league calendar gets started later this month with the opening of training camps.
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