By Ricardo Klein
Copyright newsweek
Media day for the Los Angeles Lakers took place on Monday, and at the forefront of it was their superstar forward, LeBron James. James, who will soon enter his 23rd season in the league, will embark on his eighth year in LA.
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James has established himself as a Lakers great and an all-time great; however. It is clear that he is closer to the finish line in his career than the beginning of it. This season could be the 40-year-old’s last, and while that is the expectation, nothing is set in stone in that regard, according to the man himself.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on February 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
While speaking to the media on Monday, James was vague regarding his future in basketball.
“I don’t know when the end is, but I know it’s a lot sooner than later,” James said, per Dan Woike of The Athletic.
“The love of the game is still high. The love of the process is even higher,” James added. “So that’s what continues to push me to play this game.”
“I don’t know when the end is but I know it’s sooner than later,” LeBron James says. Says love for the game is high and. love for the process is even higher.— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) September 29, 2025
James will soon enter an unprecedented 23rd season in the league. It will be the record for most played seasons in the league, surpassing Vince Carter’s record.
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While that is an incredible feat in itself, James is still playing like arguably the top 10 players in the league. Last season showed us that James is still playing at a high level. In 70 regular season games, James was phenomenal, averaging 24.4 points per game, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.0 steals while shooting 51.3 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from three-point range in 34.9 minutes per game.
The 21-time All-Star will enter yet another season with retirement rumors swirling. That will remain the topic of discussion for James, considering his age. The end of the road is near, and the two questions surrounding him are when he will retire and if he will retire with the Lakers.
When Will LeBron James Hang It Up?
This past summer was filled with rumors about both. There were a handful of teams that wanted to trade for James, and there are questions about whether this season will be his last.
That remains a huge question, and it is clear that James is giving no hints about his future.
Although James won’t be the number one option for the Lakers this season — that’d be superstar Luka Doncic — he will play a vital role for the team. LA needs all they could get from James if they want any shot at making a deep playoff run.
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