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LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Lakers prior to a Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on April 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
The NBA is in the middle of another postseason this year, and for over two decades, one name has been a constant feature, LeBron James.
The 41-year-old star once again showed his playoff pedigree by steering the Los Angeles Lakers into the second round, eliminating the Houston Rockets in six games.
Without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, James carried the shorthanded Lakers.
It is a big feat because, at this age, most athletes have stepped away, but James is still producing at an All-NBA level while logging heavy minutes.
He isn’t even ready to call it quits just yet, and his biggest reason sits right beside him in the Lakers’ locker room.
No player in NBA history has played for more seasons than James. He is now in year 23, however, he still isn’t the oldest man to play.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James talks to Rich Paul. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Notable names like Robert Parish, Vince Carter and Udonis Haslem played longer than James’ 41 years.
Parish played until he was 43, the same as Carter. Haslem played his final game for the Miami Heat at 42 years in 2023. James is trending towards that path, with a body that still looks like it can carry more mileage.
The longevity alone doesn’t explain why James keeps showing up.
In a recent episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast, James revealed a big layer in why he is still playing after nearly a quarter century in the NBA.
It has everything to do with his junior.
“I have a job and a responsibility to show him what it means to be a professional and the results that come with it. I have a responsibility in that,” James said of his son Bronny James. “Yes, he’s seen it from the outside looking in throughout the course of his life, but now being in the locker room, being in film sessions, being on the plane, being in everything that surrounds how to be a professional.”
The younger James entered the league in 2024 as a late second-round pick for the Lakers. He has carved out a limited role so far and has played some time in the G League.
The numbers are modest, but the experience is priceless. Father and son have already made NBA history as the first duo to share a court together. This is more than enough motivation for James to show up.
The older James’ last dance is no doubt approaching, but all indications point to it not being this season.
Thus, his next move will shape the Lakers’ offseason.
Last summer he exercised his $52.6 million player option for this season. That contract expires this coming summer, making him an unrestricted free agent for the first time since 2018 when he landed in L.A.
Playing 24 seasons is on the table and, having expressed interest in playing with his son more, the Lakers will most likely retain him. Lakers team president Rob Pelinka has publicly stated that it would be great for James to retire with the franchise whenever he decides to say goodbye to the game.
That leaves the decision with James again, he could sign another short-term deal and see where it goes from there. There is even a shot at a last ring playing alongside Doncic.
Of course, there are other reported and possible paths. He could test free agency, return to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a final chapter, or even explore new markets.
Retirement remains on the table, but James has given no indication he is ready to step aside.
Adel Ahmad Adel is a writer with over five years of experience covering the NBA. His work has appeared on various media platforms, both national and local. More about Adel Ahmad
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