LeBron James is the epitome of an age-defying NBA superstar.
While the 40-year-old Los Angeles Lakers phenom is no longer the franchise’s go-to playmaker, his multi-faceted contributions are needed for Los Angeles to have a chance of prevailing in the postseason.
However, according to a retirement prediction made by James’ former NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers teammate, the four-time NBA champion may not last much longer in the big leagues.
“I don’t know how much longer (James will play) — whether it’s the end of this year (that he retires), I don’t think it will be,” Kevin Love told Fox Sports’ Melissa Rohlin last Wednesday. “But at the end of next year, there’s a high likelihood that will be the case.”
“I don’t want to make assumptions on what he’s thinking or what he’s feeling or how his family is feeling. But it’s coming sooner rather than later, and he’s been pretty outspoken about that.”
James, who was sidelined for the Lakers’ first 14 outings due to sciatica, seems to adhere to a ‘play it by ear’ approach as it relates to his retirement from the NBA.
Once the future Hall of Famer feels as though his NBA career has run its course and he has nothing left to give the game of basketball, fans should be on the lookout for an emotional retirement announcement.
For now, though, James has his sights on helping the Lakers secure their 18th championship in franchise history. Beyond that, James’ NBA future is unclear.
More NBA: Is Bronny James playing for Lakers tonight vs. Jazz after G-League demotion?