LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers will have to make a big decision about his playing future in the offseason after completing Year 21.

The King retaliated, saying he hasn’t made up his mind, to reports that James will choose not to exercise his player option for the 2024–25 season and re-sign with the Lakers. Since it’s unlikely that James would give up basketball, his options are limited to either staying in Los Angeles or finding a new team to play for.

With the possible exception of fellow Laker star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, no player in league history has been as effective this late in their career as James is at his age. James averaged a solid 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists in 71 games during the 2023–24 season. However, he elevated his game even further in the first round matchup with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 27.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 8.8 assists.

It’s anyone’s estimate as to how long James will play in the NBA, but according to his agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, even if his body permits him to play more, he’ll likely play for another two to three years:

Paul remarked, “I think five (years) body wise.” “Knowing how to play the game with a clear head for all time. However, in terms of mentality and/or simply being a guy, I’ve had enough, missing out on time with his amazing family and wife. They have been an amazing source of support. It must eventually come down to them. And from that angle, I believe perhaps two to three years.

It’s simple to see James continuing to play at this level for a few more years since he is undoubtedly the best in the game at taking care of his body and preparing his mind for the demands of the regular season. He has essentially single-handedly altered the conversation about how long a player can be productive, and he is the model for aspiring long-term professional athletes.

The main concern is what James will do during the offseason, although it appears likely that he will return to Los Angeles for a minimum of another year.

LeBron James muses on the Nuggets’ defeat in the 2024 NBA Playoffs.Sadly for James, the Denver Nuggets, who have the potential to become a dynasty if they win another championship, have eliminated him from the playoffs the past two times. James thought back to Denver and tipped his hat to them during the series.