Although LeBron James suggested last Monday that he may consider retiring this offseason, few actually think he will do so or even think about doing so.
On the surface, he doesn’t seem to have any real reason to call it quits. His Los Angeles Lakers are seemingly one step away from possibly winning another NBA championship, and he should be able to still play at an elite level, assuming he gets his injured right foot fixed.
Teammate Dennis Schroder is one of those who fully expects the 38-year-old to return for his 21st season this fall, although he also added he would fully support the superstar no matter what (at 1:14).
“I didn’t even see it yet, but I can’t see that,” Schroder said at his exit interview. “I don’t know what’s going on. Maybe it’s personal whatever, but to retire and the last game in the playoffs you make 40, 10 and nine I think you still got juice to play a couple more years. So whatever he decides, he played for 20 years, we gonna support him, I’m gonna support him and hopefully he’s gonna come back.”
Schroder himself may not be back with the Lakers. He will be a free agent this summer. If they can figure out how to pay him while keeping their other key free agents, he can continue to be a key piece off the bench thanks to his defense and toughness.
Schroder has said James may have a lot left in the tank
Earlier this season, Schroder said James actually wants to stick around in the NBA until he’s 45. That would mean he would end up playing a total of 27 seasons, which is unfathomable.
According to Dennis Schröder, LeBron James says he wants to play 5-7 more years in the NBA and retire at 45, h/t @YCSNOW23. 👑
Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/yZodWuPCWp
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 11, 2022
However, with the way he takes care of his body, it may not end up being too surprising if he’s still playing at an All-Star level in his early 40s.
The Akron, Ohio, native has stated many times that he would like to play alongside his son Bronny James. The earliest the younger James would be eligible for the NBA draft would be 2024.
