LeBron James: ‘I Have Not Mapped Out How Many Seasons I Have Left, I Know It’s Not That Many’

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James told NBA reporters during his All-Star media availability that he’s not sure how long he’ll continue to play. 

“I have not mapped out how many seasons I have left,” LeBron James said. “I know it’s not that many.”

LeBron, 39, can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason if he declines his 2024-25 player option with the Lakers worth $51.4 million. The King has expressed a desire to play on the same team with his son, Bronny, who could enter the 2024 NBA Draft.

“I am a Laker,” LeBron said. “I am happy and have been very happy being a Laker these last six years and hopefully it stays that way.”

Despite being the oldest player in the NBA, LeBron is still a dominant force. He’s averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 7.8 assists this season while shooting 52.0% from the floor, 39.5% from 3 and 74.1% from the free-throw line.

“I don’t have the answer to how long it is or which uniform I’ll be in,” LeBron said while talking about his potential retirement. “Hopefully it is the Lakers. It is a great organization, so many greats. I don’t know how it’s going to end, but it’s coming. It’s coming for sure.”

LeBron doesn’t know if he’ll do a farewell tour like Kobe Bryant or just retire without telling anyone like Tim Duncan. 

“There’s times where I feel like I guess I owe it to my fans who have been along this journey with me for two decades-plus. To be able to give them that moment, you know, where in every city they give you your flowers and that seems cool,” LeBron said. “The other side, I’ve never been that great with accepting my praise. It’s so weird for me.”

A 20-time All-Star, LeBron has career averages of 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Lakers. He’s a four-time regular-season MVP, four-time champion and four-time Finals MVP. 

LeBron became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer last season.