Lakers News: LeBron James Sheds Light On Retirement Plans After Another Big Night

Alex Kirschenbaum | Apr 1, 2024

Mar 31, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the midst of a 40-point night. / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

While annihilating the lowly Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night, Los Angeles Lakers All-NBA forward LeBron James looked like the same unstoppable force he's always been. He scored a whopping 40 points on 13-of-17 shooting from the field (including a bonkers 9-of-10 from long range) and 5-of-6 shooting from the charity stripe. He also pulled down seven rebounds and dished out five dimes.

Per Dave McMenamin of ESPN, James spoke after the contest about just how much longer he intends to play.

"Not very long," James said. "Not very long. I'm on the other side, obviously, of the hill. So I'm not going to play another 21 years, that's for damn sure. But not very long. I don't know what or when that door will close as far as when I retire, but I don't have much time left."

He's been in the league longer than he's been out of it. The 39-year-old future first ballot Hall of Famer has spent 21 seasons as an NBA pro, and has a player option for $51.4 million in 2024-25, his year-40 season.

Through 65 games (meaning he's eligible for a record 20th All-NBA season), the 20-time All-Star is averaging 25.4 points on .533/.416/.752 shooting splits, 8.1 assists, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks per bout. Those numbers are pretty much in line with his superlative career splits, which in itself is pretty insane for the oldest player in the league.

The 116-104 win improved LA's overall record to 42-33 on the year.