On 40th birthday, LeBron James says he could play at high level another 5-7 years if he wanted

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — LeBron James said he woke up on his 40th birthday Monday feeling different as he processed being in a new decade. “It’s kind of laughable, really, to know where I am, to see where I am still playing the game at a high level, still being such a young man but old in the scheme of how many years I got in this profession.” When asked if his thoughts of reaching the finish line of his career have increased as he’s aged, James replied, “Of course,” adding that he has a “very good” relationship with retirement. But he clarified that whenever he decides to hang ’em up, it won’t be because he isn’t capable of performing “at a high level.” James estimates he could play another half-decade if he wanted to. “If I really wanted to, I could probably play this game at a high level probably for about another — it’s weird that I might say this — but probably about another five to seven years, if I wanted to,” James said Monday. “But no, I won’t walk away and come back.” As for if he wants to retire as a Laker, James said that’s been his plan since he signed with the team back in 2018.