Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James may be nearing 40 years old, but his agent and close friend Rich Paul asserted he still has plenty left in the tank.
On the heels of the Lakers’ 4-1 series loss to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs, some people around the league have cast doubt on James' future on the court. The veteran forward added fuel to rumors he could retire after refusing to answer the question, “Was there any thought that tonight was your last game with the Lakers ?” following his elimination from the postseason.
During a recent appearance on the “ All the Smoke " podcast with Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes, Paul seemingly put those worries to rest, arguing James “body-wise” could play five more years in the NBA . The Klutch Sports founder conceded that he may check out sooner “mind-wise,” adding: “I think mentally, it could be 2-3 [years].”
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Paul further speculated that James’ desire to spend more time with his family could impact his decision to retire from the NBA. “Missing time with his family, with his wife … they’ve been an unbelievable support system,” he added. “At some point, it gotta be about them, and I think from that perspective, maybe 2-3 [years].”
James showed no signs of slowing down physically in his 21st season in the NBA, averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists over 71 games. Despite continuing to perform at a high level, some believe he should hang it up before his play deteriorates.
According to TNT’s Charles Barkley , James would be better off leaving the NBA sooner rather than later. “I hope he retires while he can still play,” he said per ClutchPoints . “I saw Michael Jordan [play] with the [Washington] Wizards and it was not pretty. I saw Patrick Ewing with the Orlando Magic. I would love to see [LeBron James] retire sooner rather than later…because it ends badly when you keep on playing.”
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It remains to be seen if James will return to the Lakers - or even the NBA - next season. The 39-year-old has until late June to opt into the final year of his contract with Los Angeles that would net him $51.4 million next season.
For now, James remains undecided on his basketball future. Taking to X earlier this week, he wrote: "I’ve seen, heard a lot of reports about my future. I said it last night and I’ll say it again. I do not know yet as I’m only thinking about spending time with my family & friends!
"When I know after speaking with the fam, my counsel as well as my representation about it then you guys will know.”
Though James previously expressed a strong interest in playing alongside his son, Bronny, in the NBA, he has since downplayed the importance of this.
“The idea of them playing together is not a priority, it's not foremost, at least any longer, in LeBron James' mind," ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski said .
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