After more than 20 years of playing, LeBron James believes his time in the NBA is running out and the end of his career is approaching for the Los Angeles Lakers star.

Hours before entering his 20th NBA All-Star game, LeBron James confessed to reporters and the press that he “doesn’t have much time left” in the NBA.

“I don’t know how many years I have left to play in the NBA, but I don’t know much time left,” said LeBron, 39, who is in his 21st season.

After more than 20 years of playing, LeBron James believes his time in the NBA is running out.

The Los Angeles Lakers star once shared that he wanted to play on the same team as his son Bronny James, who is expected to be selected in the 2024 NBA Draft next June.

With LeBron set to become a free agent at the end of the season, the possibility of the “king” changing his jersey color is even more likely to become a reality. However, the record holder for total points scored in the NBA as well as total All-Star appearances himself has dispelled all rumors about the future.

“ I am a Lakers player and I am very happy here. I have been happy for the past 6 years with this jersey and hopefully nothing will change ,” LeBron James affirmed.

LeBron James still wants to play with his son Bronny in the NBA before retiring

Almost every year LeBron James falls into this state in the middle of the season, expressing some dissatisfaction with the team right before the NBA Trade Deadline. This year LeBron used social media to stir up the basketball community, posting exactly 1 hourglass emoji on the X platform (formerly Twitter). 

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Despite being asked many times about this ambiguous post, James always refused to answer and let fans freely speculate. It was not until All-Star that the “king” spoke up to reassure fans, especially those who love the purple and yellow team. 

“ I don’t have an answer for how much longer I can play. I also don’t know which team I’ll play for in the future, hopefully it will be the Lakers, a great team and a lot of great people, ” James said about his retirement.

LeBron James wants to retire from playing for the Los Angeles Lakers

Through 49 games this season, LeBron James is averaging 24.8 points, 7.8 assists, and 7.2 rebounds per game. LeBron’s scoring is at its lowest level since his rookie years two decades ago.

The King’s physical condition has gradually succumbed to age. He missed several games this season because of ankle pain, missed one game before the All-Star game and will likely sit out Friday’s showdown with Stephen Curry for the same reason.

At the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, LeBron James played only lightly in the first two quarters. He was one of three players with the least playing time (along with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George).

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According to Spotrac, LeBron James’ current contract will last until the end of next season (2024-25) but has a final year Player Option clause.

This means LeBron can actively refuse to play for the Los Angeles Lakers in the final year of his contract, becoming a free agent in the summer of 2024.

Although James has shared his desire to retire in purple and gold, this does not mean that LeBron will not “turn around” in the future.

LeBron James could become a free agent this summer