LeBron James will enter his 21st year in the NBA next season. The four-time NBA champion will turn 39 in late December. Despite being one of the oldest players in the league, he remains one of the best as well.
His agent and friend Rich Paul was recently a guest on SiriusXM NBA Radio where he was asked if James could play until he is 44 or 45 years old.
“He’s one guy that I’m not going to say ‘No’ about,” Paul replied. “I think it’s important to understand what really motivates him. I know it obviously I’ve been around him for so long, I can tell you what it’d take probably without even talking to him.
“As long as his mind is still there, as long as he’s excited about playing the game in addition to the health – absolutely. I always tease him, I say ‘If your athleticism went away, you’d just be Karl Malone, it’s fine. You can pick and pop, shoot the jumper, make the right read.’
“He can literally play for as long as he wants to. At this point obviously he’s not playing for finances, he’s playing because he loves the game… I’m impressed with the fact that he still loves it. I really am. It’s a sight to see.”
LeBron is under contract with the Lakers for next year and has a player option for the 2024-25 season. He has expressed desire to team up with his oldest son Bronny when he enters the league in 2024.
Last season James averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists in 35.5 minutes per game for the Purple and Gold.
