The question hangs over the NBA: When will LeBron James finally hang it up? As he enters his 23rd season, the Los Angeles Lakers star remains one of the league’s best players, but at 40 years old, speculation about his retirement is louder than ever. While his production defies his age, even the King can’t outrun Father Time forever, though he is certainly doing his best to delay the inevitable.
What Did LeBron James Say About His Retirement Plans?
In a recent “Speedy Morman of Complex” interview, James directly addressed the rumors. When asked if his new ventures, like taking up golf or launching a new signature shoe, were hints about his career ending, James was clear: “I’m not hinting at anything.”
LeBron on if he’s hinting at retirement with his recent endeavors:
“I’m not hinting at anything… Listen guys, every time I pick up something new, does not mean retirement… Retirement is coming, but it’s just not here just yet.”
(via @Complex) pic.twitter.com/yez2eRpXLK
— Witness King James (@WITNESSKJ) September 18, 2025
However, he did open up about the reality of his situation. “Obviously, I’m on the other side of the hump,” James admitted. “I’m not going to play another 23 years; that’s for damn sure. I’m not gonna play another ten. I’m definitely gearing up to when the end is near. I’m not there yet.”
To reassure fans, he clarified that his new hobbies are just that: hobbies. “Listen, guys, just because I pick up something new doesn’t mean retirement,” he explained. Still, the superstar conceded that the end of his career is approaching. “Retirement is coming, it is coming,” James stated. “It’s just not here just yet.”
Based on his performance last season, he could certainly continue for a while longer. James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists on 51% shooting. Those are numbers most players in their prime would dream of, let alone someone nearing the end of their career. But James is not like other players, which is why he is considered one of the greatest of all time.
His 23rd season is primed to be an exciting one. He will team up with Luka Dončić to make a run at a possible NBA championship, which would be James’s fifth ring if successful, further cementing his GOAT legacy.
For now, he reiterates, “it’s not here yet.” As for when James decides to hang up his sneakers for good, only he knows the answer.
