LeBron James Reveals Shocking Retirement Timeline
By Cem Yolbulan
The Los Angeles Lakers won their third straight game on Wednesday evening when they defeated the Grizzlies to improve to 7-4 for the season and 6-0 at home. The engine that drove the Lakers was once again LeBron James, who registered his third straight triple-double with a stat line of 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 14 assists.
While LeBron looks like he is still at the peak of his powers, his post-game remarks painted a different picture. Six weeks removed from his 40th birthday, James provided a timeline for his playing career that Lakers fans do not want to hear.
LeBron James Reveals He Only Has 1-2 Years Left in the NBA
When talking to the press in the locker room, the Lakers superstar was frank about the end of his basketball journey. Stating that he doesn't want to play "until the wheels fall off", James said that he has one or two more years left in him.
"I’m not gonna play that much longer, to be completely honest... 1 year, 2 years… I’m not gonna play ‘till the wheels fall off. I’m not gonna be that guy. I’m not gonna be that guy that’s disrespecting the game because I just want to be out on the floor. No, that won’t be me."
- LeBron James
Arguably the greatest basketball player of all time wanting to leave the sport on his own terms is certainly understandable. An athlete who has been at the top of his sport for over two decades doesn't want to see a lesser version of himself out there.
At the same time, James is still one of the best players in the world. He is a top-15 player in the NBA right now and should have an argument to make an All-NBA team this season. It will be hard for him to leave that behind. Yet, when he decides to hang up his sneakers, the fans will find it even harder.