Approaching 41 years of age, the old folks home has been calling the name of LeBron James for several seasons by now. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar is not ready to take that call just yet.
There has been plenty of speculation regarding whether this upcoming NBA season would be James' last. After Lakers Media Day, it is difficult to believe that 2025-26 will be the last season of LeBron's legendary career.
Apart from James still being an elite player, and no outright admission of retirement being used to set up a farewell tour this season, LeBron just sounded like someone who was still in love with the game of basketball. There was no indication that giving that up was something the all-time great was ready to do just yet.
James said, "The love of the game is still high. The love of the process is even higher. So, that's what continues to push me to play this game. It's really that simple. ... It's a beautiful thing for me, and just continue to challenge and see how well I can push myself to play the game at a high level."
LeBron James made it clear the end of his career is not here just yet
James talked about how 'gratifying' the process still is for him. Being able to compete, recover, mentally prepare, and stay sharp throughout the course of a long season were all a part of the roller coaster that the NBA's all-time leading scorer still has plenty of love for.
With Bronny James carving out his path on the Lakers and Bryce James committed to the Arizona Wildcats, LeBron explained the decision regarding his retirement does not involve them anymore. It will come down to him, his wife, and daughter.
One reporter would go on to ask James whether the opportunity to eventually play with his younger son, Bryce, would be a motivating factor for him to stick around. James had a good laugh before telling everyone he would not wait on Bryce, because it was not clear what his exact timeline was and whether that matched his own.
Depending on how quickly Bryce establishes himself with the Wildcats, it is certainly not the most ludicrous thought to believe those two James family members could eventually share a court in the NBA too. LeBron may genuinely have enough gas left in the tank for that historic feat.
Leaving Lakers Media Day with the conclusion that James will retire at the end of this season, following what was said, is not the takeaway most would have. Fans wishing to continue watching the NBA legend undoubtedly breathed a sigh of relief.