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Apr 16, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after the play-in game of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 16, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after the play-in game of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
“I know as long as my mind stays in it, I can play at this level,” a line of LeBron James left an impressive mark on 15× NBA All-Star Kevin Garnett. For 21 years, 20× NBA All-Star LeBron has dominated the NBA, yet pundits have speculated about his potential retirement. However, LeBron has given little reason to believe he is slowing down. Garnett, one of the admirers of LeBron, opened up on the topic after the USA’s first match against Canada, taking the entire NBA by storm.
“Lord! Bron could play 10 more years in a Draymond role,” the 2008 NBA champion took to X to express his wonderment after LeBron let others do the heavy lifting. As surprising as it sounds, the Big Ticket was confident enough that the 4× NBA champion could remain an NBA professional until age 49. Garnett explained that James would need to adapt to a “Draymond role,” implying a significant dip in stats while taking on duties to focus on the team’s overall performance without being the primary scoring option.
While sharing this post on Instagram, the KG CERTIFIED podcast featured clips from an old episode dated October 27, 2023. Therein, Garnett emphasized LeBron’s commitment and plans for the future, stating, “His desire is matched with his health and what he’s invested in himself. I’m not surprised at all. He puts this himself. He gets up and go to the weight room… ain’t nobody waking him up.” The Big Ticket elaborated, noting LeBron’s dedication to personal fitness and discipline.
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Garnett also had a little instance to share on the stance when Christian Wood reached the gym at 7:45 am and LeBron was already there, getting on with his physical training. “He built from the traditional, from the old country,” Garnett also added. The Big Ticket also mentioned King James’ longevity, highlighting his play against Vince Carter, Paul Pierce, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, and Stephen Curry, underscoring his enduring presence in the league. He is currently the oldest player in the league and might soon break the record for the longest term.
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Paul Pierce, also on the podcast, believed LeBron’s motivation to play longer stems from his kids and rightly so, considering LeBron has popularly expressed his view to share a court with his sons. Now as he inches closer to the dream with Bronny officially joining LA Lakers, Pierce believes, Bron is going to hold out longer. “He talkin’ bout his younger one too,” he said, speaking about Bryce James who is set to graduate high school in 2025.
21 seasons in, LeBron is one season away from tying with Vincent Carter for longest NBA career. Having recently re-signed with the Lakers, the record is set in the books. As for surpassing it, LeBron doesn’t have an answer yet.
LeBron James’ End Game: A Look Into the Future
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A hilarious incident occurred when Kevin Garnett shared comedian Will McFadden’s video on his Instagram story, exploring a scenario where King James never retires. In this hypothetical, McFadden predicted that by 2030, a 45-year-old LeBron would surpass 50,000 points and win his sixth NBA title with his son, Bronny. The video humorously continued with LeBron winning multiple MVP awards and championships well into old age.
Meanwhile, many fans believe LeBron James could play as long as he desires, the Lakers superstar revealed he sees the finish line. During the All-Star weekend, reporters asked James about his remaining time in the NBA. According to NBC Sports, he replied, “I have not mapped out how many seasons I have left. I know it’s not that long.” James also mentioned uncertainty about whether he’ll embark on a farewell tour like Kobe Bryant or announce his retirement suddenly like Tim Duncan.
Moreover, LeBron’s wife Savannah also hinted at his desire to play with his kids in the NBA season. In a promotional video for Beats, uploaded by ESPN, she says in a voiceover, “Tell them you are not done until you play with your son. Then do it again.” The video then cuts to Bryce James, who will be draft-eligible in 2026. As he already joined forces with his elder, all signs point to him playing until he’s been on the court with both his sons. It is all up to his mind, though, James reveals.
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Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.