Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, now 41 and in his 23rd NBA season, said his commitment to the daily grind will determine how much longer he plays, not any decline in skill.
Speaking to reporters before the All-Star break, James noted that his “game is not going anywhere,” but cautioned that staying physically ready and mentally engaged grows harder each year. “It’s about how long I can stay in love with the process,” he said. “If that goes, my body will go, and once my body goes, it’s a wrap.”
James is on an expiring contract and will enter unrestricted free agency this summer, fueling speculation that 2025-26 could be his final season. Despite missing 18 games, he remains a primary offensive option; he became the oldest player in league history to record a triple-double during Thursday’s win over the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena.
The four-time MVP acknowledged that explosive athleticism fades with age, but believes his basketball IQ offsets any physical drop-off. “I’m not a 43-inch vertical anymore, but I can still impact the game in so many ways,” he said. “Any given night, if I need to turn it on, I can turn it on.”
Expanded NXXT Gen Partnership
Beyond the court, James is extending his Nike LeBron NXXT Gen line, introduced in 2023 for younger players. USC star JuJu Watkins, recovering from a 2025 ACL tear, is co-designing a special edition dubbed the “Silver Lining Nike LeBron NXXT Gen by JuJu.” Watkins remains among the most followed collegiate athletes and will help promote the youth-focused model.
James’s future is expected to dominate NBA conversation until he decides to retire. For now, he maintains that as long as the process stays enjoyable, he sees no reason to walk away.
Source: Lakers Nation
