LeBron James shares honest feelings on ending his career with Lakers amid retirement buzz: "That's the plan"

NBA superstar LeBron James once again addressed rumors about his impending retirement.

As James turned 40 on Monday, the media asked him what it would mean for him to retire as a member of the LA Lakers. NBA insider Mark Medina posted a clip of the interview on X (formerly Twitter).

“I think that’s the plan. I think I would love for it to end here,” James said. “I came here (LA) to play the last stage of my career and to finish it off here.”

King James, playing in his 22nd NBA season, also acknowledged that he knows the business of basketball, where a player, even a superstar, can be traded. James added that he is confident about his relationship with the Lakers's management. The four-time NBA MVP delivered a championship to LA in 2020 —the franchise's 17th. The LA Lakers tied the NBA record for most titles at that time.

“I’m also not silly or too jaded to know the business of the game as well, to know the business of basketball,” James added. “I think my relationship with this organization speaks for itself.“”

LeBron James is playing in his seventh season as a Laker. Before coming to Los Angeles, he played 11 years in two stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and spent four seasons with the Miami Heat. The four-time NBA champion has delivered a championship in every franchise he has played with.

LeBron James says he can play at a high level for another five to seven years

Further, LeBron James was asked what would compel him to call it a career. The 20-time NBA All-Star also said he could probably play at the highest level for another five to seven years. The Athletic's Jovan Buha posted the exchange on X (formerly Twitter).

“It won't be because I can't play this game at a high level, it won't be because of that,” James said. “To be honest, if I really wanted to, I (would) probably play this game at a high level about ... another five to seven years if I wanted to. But I'm not gonna do that.”

James also said that once he retires from basketball, he won’t unretire even though he will miss the game.

“I will miss the hell out of it for sure but no, I won't come back when I walk away,” James said.

King James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, has been producing at a steady rate for the 18-13 Lakers. In 28 games this season, he averages 23.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 9.0 assists. He is shooting 49.6 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from the 3-point range.

He is also still playing heavy minutes, averaging 35.0 minutes per game. On Dec. 20, he surpassed Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leader in minutes played in the regular season.

LeBron James and the Lakers will visit his hometown, Cleveland, on Wednesday for a matchup against the league-leading Cavaliers (27-4).