A grand total of 22 years. That’s how long LeBron James has been in the NBA.
With 1,540 games and 58,255 minutes played, LeBron has a lot of miles in this game. He’s been one of the most prominent figures in the league since his arrival in 2003 and hasn’t slowed much since. This season, his 22nd, has shown that LeBron can still play at a high level, but he’s honest about his future and where he stands.
“There ain’t going to be that many times left,” James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “So you take it all in, and you don’t take it for granted.”
This season marks his 21st All-Star selection, a mark even he may not have imagined when he set out to be a superstar in the league. As the NBA’s all-time leading scorer (with 41,641 points under his belt currently), as well as a four-time NBA champion, you’d assume that LeBron’s legacy is set and that he has made his mark.
While that is true, he doesn’t take anything for granted and continues to give his all on the court, even if the clock is ticking.
Could This Be LeBron James’ Final All-Star Game?
While LeBron isn’t expected to retire after this season, stranger things have happened.
There’s one theory that retiring after next season would be fitting, given it would be his 23rd year. For a player who’s donned No. 23 for a sizable chunk of his career it would seem very poetic. He also has just one year left on that Lakers contract if he chooses to take his player option, which seems likely.
If LeBron decides to continue to play alongside Luka Dončić, his newest teammate, there is a real chance for him to put in up to three more seasons, which would leave him with 25 full NBA seasons at age 43.
That would be a memorable feat, but with LeBron being so direct in his admission that the end of his career is approaching, it appears likely he may have a retirement date already in mind.
How Many Years Are Left for LeBron James?
There are many people who feel like James could continue playing for the next five years if he wanted to. Considering he’s currently averaging 24.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 9.0 assists while shooting an efficient 51.6% from the field, there might be some truth to that.
Still, despite his amazing production at age 40, walking away before Father Time catches up could ultimately be the deciding factor.
Some analysts, however, think LeBron could continue going for a bit longer. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst commented on this on “Get Up,” saying he expects James to keep playing and producing at a high level:
“I really like what the Lakers have on their roster. I believe they can add a big man over the summer, and I really like where they’re going to be heading into next season,” Windhorst said. “Unlike other people, I don’t think the end is near for LeBron James. I think he’s got runway left. I think he can still be an All-NBA player next year. I see no reason why, a year from now, they can’t be a team that is really hunting for that top spot — that title.”
With this All-Star weekend arriving, it does put into perspective how long legends like LeBron, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have given their all on the basketball court and how it’s important to appreciate these players while they’re still competing. LeBron will eventually retire, and if his words are any indication, the clock is slowly approaching that hour.
