If it’s fully up to LeBron James, the Lakers uniform will be the last one he wears in the NBA.
For years, LeBron James’ future with the Lakers has been a talking point. Whether it’s questions of if he’ll leave in free agency or the far-fetched trade ideas, the debates about how long he’ll wear the purple and gold have persisted.
As he turned 40 on Monday, LeBron reflected on his career and his future in the NBA following Lakers practice.
Only LeBron and Vince Carter have reached season 22 in their careers. Unlike Carter, who was averaging five points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.8 assists, LeBron is still near the top of the league and a shoo-in for another All-Star appearance.
James’ production doesn’t indicate that his NBA end is near, but his age and contract certainly suggest that reflection is warranted. With LeBron fully in control of the location of his final playing days, the question is whether he wants to take his talents elsewhere or retire as a Laker.
“I think that’s the plan. I would love for it to end here,” LeBron said after practice. “That would be the plan. I came here to play my last stage of my career and to finish it off here.
“But I’m also not silly or too jaded to know the business of the game as well. I know the business of basketball but I think my relationship with this organization speaks for itself and hopefully, I don’t have to go nowhere before my career is over.”
LeBron re-signed with the Lakers on a 2-year, $104-million deal this summer. The second season is a player option, and he also has a no-trade clause, so he’s only changing destinations if he desires.
Given these strong comments, you can throw cold water on any theories or speculation of him playing anywhere besides Los Angeles moving forward.
James didn’t discuss how long he will play for the Lakers beyond his contractual obligations. However, he did say that he’ll leave the game before his talent ever dips to the point where he is forced to.
“It won’t be because I can’t play this game at a high level,” LeBron said. “Because to be honest, if I really wanted to, I could probably play this game at a high level probably about another… five or seven years if I wanted to.”
It’s hard to imagine LeBron can play at an elite level at age 47. Then again, none of us thought he’d be this good for this long. At this point, it’s best not to underestimate what LeBron can do.
Clearly, he is a special human being who has gone well past a 12-round fight with Father Time. Regardless, he won’t play much longer if we take his statements verbatim.
What matters is he’s a Laker now and wants to remain a Laker until the end.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.