LeBron James continues to enjoy playing at a high level as one of the best players in the NBA, even at age 41.
However, there is one thing that has surprised the Los Angeles Lakers star even after everything he experienced and achieved throughout his remarkable career.
LeBron James' thoughts on Lakers stint
James in halfway through Year 23 of his time in the NBA. He is coming off a return to Cleveland when the Lakers faced the Cavaliers on Jan. 28. It might be the last time he plays an NBA game in his hometown, where he also represented the Cavaliers for two stints from 2003 to 2010 and from 2014 to 2018.
James reflected on his career's current standing after the game. When reporters asked him about spending his time with the Lakers for eight years and counting, the four-time champion had a stunning admission to make.
"8 years ago when I left to go to LA if you would have asked would I still be playing in 2026 I would have said no. After going to 8 straight finals and with all the energy and all the mental toll and the physical toll that it took on me and obviously my teammates...there's no way I could of foresee that. Couple more years, yeah," James said.
"I'll go out and play at a high level...I have not even thought to the point of like a farewell tour or whatever the case may be because I haven't had that conversation with myself and my family on when it's over."
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James continues to be a consistent All-Star for the Lakers in present day, having led them to the championship in 2020 and one more Western Conference Finals appearance in 2023. He hopes to make one last deep run as he goes through the twilight years of his career.
Los Angeles has a 28-18 record on the season, sitting at fifth place in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Phoenix Suns by 0.5 games while being even with the Minnesota Timberwolves for fifth. However, they trail the Houston Rockets by 0.5 games and Denver Nuggets by 2.5 games.
The Lakers progress through the second half of their eight-game road trip. They face the Washington Wizards on Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. ET, New York Knicks on Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. ET and Brooklyn Nets on Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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