LeBron James might be the oldest player in the NBA this season, but don’t let his age fool you—he’s still a force to be reckoned with. After the Lakers shook up their roster, sending D’Angelo Russell and Maxwell Christie to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, James took questions from the media. Of course, with his 40th birthday and the trade news making headlines, it didn’t take long for someone to ask about his retirement plans.

How does he feel about it now? Has anything changed his mindset? And what would it take for him to finally call it quits? These are the big questions, and LeBron’s got some thoughts on the matter.

The 4x Champion made it clear that his eventual retirement won’t be because of a decline in his abilities. “It won’t be because I can’t play this game at a high level,” he reassured. In fact, James is confident. “To be honest, if I really wanted to, I could probably play this game at a high level for about another—it’s weird I might say this—but I’ve got another 5 to 7 years if I wanted to,” he admitted.

However, he quickly clarified, “But I’m not gonna do that,” throwing another curve ball into the mix. Arguably the greatest to ever play this sport says something and fans don’t react to this statement? Impossible.

Some fans believe LeBron James, others think he’s finished, the side-taking begins again

One fan wrote, “He ain’t lyin tho”. At 40, he’s still one of the league’s most impactful players. This season, James is averaging 23.5 points, 9.0 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game, showing no signs of slowing down. His ability to contribute on multiple fronts—scoring, playmaking, and rebounding—is something many players his age simply can’t match.

Another fan wasn’t convinced by LeBron’s statement. They commented “LECAP on his 40th birthday 😢😢”. They’re tapping into a long-running joke about LeBron’s history of bold statements that haven’t always panned out as expected. His famous comment after leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to that unbelievable 2016 Finals comeback.

James had casually said he “always knew” they were going to win, but down 3-1, it didn’t seem like anyone could have predicted that. Finally, don’t forget LeBron’s earlier declaration that he would retire at 35—here he is at 40, still going strong.

“You won’t be getting no more rings,” wrote another fan. This carries a harsh but real sentiment. The Lakers‘ 21st-ranked defense also needs a major upgrade. LeBron’s supporting cast is aging or moving out, and while players like Anthony Davis have the potential to be game-changers, they haven’t always been consistent or reliable when it matters most.

Another fan has a suggestion that could work out. They commented, “He can come off the bench the next 5 years become 6 man of the year”. LeBron has already shown he’s capable of adjusting his game over the years. As he gets older, we might see him transition from being the focal point of the offense to a more specialized role, focusing on scoring and playmaking in shorter bursts.

King James’ basketball IQ and ability to read the game would make him an ideal candidate for leading the second unit, where he could dominate against opposing backups.

“Cut the retirement talks, ya bringing tears to my eyes *teary eyed emoji*” wrote another user. For many, LeBron is more than just a player; he’s been a constant presence in their lives for nearly two decades. From his early days in Cleveland to his championship runs with Miami and back to bringing glory to Cleveland in 2016, James has been a fixture in the NBA, inspiring generations along the way.

The idea of LeBron James stepping away from the game that made him a legend feels like the closing of a major, major chapter. It’s not just about losing a player; it’s about losing a part of NBA history and a symbol of greatness.