Lakers Star LeBron James Makes Feelings Clear on How Much Longer He ‘Could’ Extend His Legendary NBA Career

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Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James delivered another vintage performance during Thursday’s 124-104 home win over the Dallas Mavericks, making history with his first triple-double of his age-41 season.

Afterward, the 22-time All-Star touched on how many more years he “could” keep operating at an elite level, should he so choose.

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LeBron James Reveals Driving ‘Factors’ Behind Possibly Extending His NBA Career Multiple Years

Playing without his co-star Luka Dončić (hamstring), James rose to the occasion against a similarly shorthanded Mavericks team missing rookie sensation Cooper Flagg (foot).

James tallied a game-high 28 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists, 1 block, and 2 3-pointers, shooting 10-for-20 (50%) as the Lakers cruised to a lopsided victory at Crypto.com Arena.

In doing so, the four-time MVP (41 years and 44 days old) overtook NBA legend Karl Malone (40 years and 127 days old) as the oldest player ever to record a triple-double.

After his record-setting outing, a reporter reminded James of an interview from “a few years ago” in which he said he “could play three, four, five more years at a high level.” The veteran was then asked if he “still feels that way,” prompting a nuanced response regarding what it would take for him to keep padding his illustrious résumé in the coming years.

“Could I? Yeah, I could, but I don’t know,” James said. “It’s not like my game — my game is not going anywhere, it’s just my body. … It’s all the other things. There’s so many more factors that come with how long will I play the game.

“I don’t think my game will ever suffer if I decided to continue to go, however long that is. I just think it has to be [mentally], how long can I stay in love with the process, because that’s always been my thing. If I can’t continue to stay in love with the process, then if this goes, then my body’s gonna go, and once my body goes, then it’s a wrap.”

James then noted that, assuming he extends his esteemed career, his unrivaled basketball IQ should continue to make him an “impact” player, even if his athleticism wanes further.

“It’s not like my game is deteriorating, or whatever the case may be,” James continued. “… I have so much knowledge of the game that I know how to still continue to make an impact with. … I can still do so many things on the floor.”

James’ comments come as many pundits have speculated about the possibility of him pursuing a final chapter elsewhere in the offseason, given his expiring $52.6 million contract.

In the meantime, the Lakers (33-21) will continue to enjoy the 41-year-old’s improbable All-Star-level production as they seek to fortify their standing in the cutthroat Western Conference.

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