As LeBron James begins his 23rd NBA season, the spotlight is once again split between his performance and his future. At 40 years old, the Los Angeles Lakers star remains one of the game’s elite, but that hasn’t stopped speculation about when the King will finally step away.
“No Sign He’s Slowing Down”
ESPN insider Brian Windhorst, who has covered James since high school, addressed the chatter on The Hoop Collective podcast and made his stance clear.
“As long as he remains healthy, there’s no sign he’s slowing down,” Windhorst said, pointing to James’ unmatched consistency.
Fellow analyst Tim Bontemps agreed, while noting that James’ place in today’s hierarchy may have shifted slightly. “He’s a top-10 to 15 player now,” Bontemps added.
Lakers Locked In
What is clear is that James is committed to the Lakers. He opted into his $52.6 million contract for the 2025–26 season, making him the first player in league history to reach 23 seasons played.
The numbers back it up. Last year, James played 70 games, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists, while shooting 37.6% from three — production comparable to players half his age.
Talk of a New League
Fueling the rumor mill further are reports linking James’ longtime business partner Maverick Carter to discussions about a potential “global basketball circuit” with men’s and women’s divisions across international cities.
The idea sparked speculation that James could eventually leave the NBA for a new venture. But insiders insist no formal offer has been made, with issues like economics and competitive balance still unresolved.
For James, the NBA remains the priority, especially with his dream of sharing the court with his son Bronny James still alive.
“Age Is Not a Factor”
Asked directly about his age, James brushed off the doubts.
“Age is not a factor,” he told CGTN Sports Scene. “I feel young every time I get on the court… it’s about that victory.”
It’s a mindset that has carried him through two decades of expectations and achievements and one that makes it clear retirement is not on his mind just yet.
