In his 21st NBA season, LeBron James has defied logic and Father Time with his performance. And while he looks like he has plenty left in the tank, it's unclear how much longer his career will last.
James, 39, has spent over half his life as an NBA player. In the final NBA season of his 30s, James averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds per game.
On a larger scale, James has turned in one of the greatest careers in professional sports. He's the NBA's all-time leading scorer, a four-time NBA champion, four-time NBA Finals MVP and four-time league MVP. With those accolades, is there anything left to play for?
In the past year, James has indicated that his days as an NBA player are nearing their end. How soon will he hang up his sneakers? Here is what we know.
MORE: TSN's Steph Noh shares his expert All-NBA picks
LeBron James retirement plans: Is Lakers star going to retire in 2024?
James has indicated that retirement is on the horizon but is not necessarily imminent. He first discussed retirement after the Lakers were eliminated from the 2023 Western Conference Finals.
"I've got a lot to think about to be honest," James said in 2023. "Just for me personally, going forward, the game of basketball, a lot to think about."
In the wake of James' comments, Turner Sports' Chris Haynes reported that James was weighing retirement among his future options. James told Haynes, "I'm simply not sure if I'll be back in the fall when the season begins."
Despite his comments, James did return at the beginning of the 2023-24 season and turned in an impressive campaign in which he appeared in the most regular-season games since arriving in Los Angeles.
Still, there have been more comments that indicate retirement is around the corner.
After rumors linking James to the Warriors ran rampant at the trade deadline in February, James' agent Rich Paul cleared the air with some perspective.
"I can't put words in LeBron's mouth but from my conversations with him, it's been 'just enjoy the game,'" Paul said during an appearance on the Stephen A. Smith show.
"You have a lot less years to play than you've already played, I don't think he owes anybody anything, I don't think there's anything else for him to accomplish and I don't think he's in a space where he has to win every year. He's already home. So, just enjoy it."
Days later, James spoke on his future at NBA All-Star Weekend.
"I have not mapped out how many seasons I have left. I know it's not that many," James told the media in Indianapolis. "…I don't know how it's going to end but it's coming."
Over a month later, James reiterated that message after turning in the third 40-point game of his 21st NBA season. After 21 years of playing at a high level, James again made it clear that the end is near.
“Not very long," James said of how much longer he plans to continue playing in the NBA.
"I’m on the other side, obviously, of the hill. I’m not gonna play another 21 years, that’s for damn sure. But not very long. I don’t know when that door will close as far as when I’ll retire. But I don’t have much time left.”
James made vague comments about his future after the Lakers lost to the Nuggets in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, but the all-time great cleared the air on X the next day.
"I’ve seen, heard a lot of reports about my future. I said it last night and I’ll say it again. I do not know yet as I’m only thinking about spending time with my family & friends! When I know after speaking with the fam, my counsel as well as my representation about it then you guys will know," James wrote.
James committed to returning for a 22nd season when he re-signed with the Lakers on July 3, though his career could be year-to-year at this point. The deal includes a player option for 2025-26, allowing James to hit free agency next summer if he wished.
When could LeBron James retire?
James has set countless records but there are more accomplishments that he could reach before calling it a career.
In addition to pursuing another NBA championship, James has long held a goal of playing in the league alongside his oldest son Bronny. That dream is now set to be fulfilled in the fall, as Bronny was drafted by the Lakers in the second round. James' decision to re-sign in Los Angeles officially means that moment can happen, clearing on major hurdle toward retirement.
James' retirement could come after he realizes his dream of playing alongside his son.
James is roughly 120 games behind Robert Parish for most games played in an NBA career. Additionally, no NBA player has played more than 22 total seasons.
With two more seasons of approximately 60 games, James would set two new bars of longevity as the record holder for most games and seasons played.
There has been no indication that either goal will be a motivating factor but the potential for each milestone is important to note.
LeBron James contract details
In 2022, the Lakers signed James to a two-year contract extension worth north of $99 million. The deal gives him a player option to become a free agent in 2024.
| Year | Age | Salary |
| 2023-24 | 39 | $47,607,350 |
| 2024-25 | 40 | $51,415,938 (PO) |
| 2025 | 41 | Unrestricted free agent |
PO = Player option
