Lakers' LeBron James Opens Up About Retirement After Triple-Double vs Raptors

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The Los Angeles Lakers rook down the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night by a score of 123-103. Within the game, star LeBron James recorded a triple-double, posting 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 16 assists.

The star forward stepped up massively for Los Angeles after co-star Anthony Davis left due to an eye injury. James recorded his second straight triple-double, showing that he is still going strong even in year 22 within the NBA.

Read more: Lakers’ Anthony Davis to See Specialist After Suffering Brutal Eye Poke vs Raptors

Los Angeles picked up their sixth win of the season, staying undefeated at Crypto.com Arean. But after the game, James seemed to discuss some retirement plans.

“It’s pretty cool the amount of miles I’ve put on the tires, lack of tread that’s on these tires and I’m still able to get up and down the highway and do it at a high level. And you know I think, I just try to give everything to the game, out of the game, before it starts if that makes sense…so I’ve been blessed by the man above with some out-of-this-world ability since the beginning and then just took full advantage of it, never disrespect what he’s given me and see how long I can do it. But I won’t do it until the wheels fall off, I’ll tell you that.”

James has hinted at retirement in each of the last two offseasons but has decided to return to the Lakers. The King sees the light at the end of the tunnel for his playing career and wants to go out on his terms.

While James has shown no signs of slowing down, Father Time does come for everyone. The Lakers will let him stay on the team for however long he chooses but it seems that James has entered his final few seasons in the league.

For the year, James has averaged 23.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. James may not be the same player that he once was but his longevity is something that we have never seen before.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 04: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena on November 04, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. James…
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 04: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena on November 04, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. James discussed his retirement plans.

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

The veteran signed a two-year deal to stay with the Lakers this past summer and rumors have speculated at him finishing out the deal before hanging it up. James is arguably the Greatest Player of All Time but is still in search of another championship before he goes.

If he can continue to play at this high of a level, Los Angeles could be a real contender in the Western Conference the rest of the way.

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