A big question mark for Lakers

James is unsure whether his 23rd season in NBA will be his last

- BY BRODERICK TURNER

Photographs by ROBERT GAUTHIER Los Angeles Times

LEBRON JAMES, posing with son Bronny on media day Monday, turns 41 on Dec. 30 but was still at the top of his game last season.

LeBron James chuckled at the question he knew was coming as a smile crossed his face when he was asked about the word “retirement.”

James stammered as he tried to answer the question during his session at the Lakers’ media day on Monday.

He never provided a definitive answer about his future. He’s about to enter his 23rd season in the NBA, which will mean James will have played more seasons in the league than anyone in history. He turns 41 on Dec. 30, but if last season was any indication, James hasn't slowed down.

When James was asked about his approach to this season, knowing that retirement is near, he seemed unsure how to answer.

“I mean, I don’t know,” he said. “I mean, I’m excited about today, I’m excited about an opportunity to be able to play a game that I love for another season. And whatever the journey, however the journey lays out this year, I’m just super invested, because like you just said, I don’t know when the end is, but I know it’s a lot sooner than later.

“So just being super appreciative of the fact that I could come up here, do another media day and talk to you guys and do all this stuff around here, so just excited about the journey and whatever this year has in store for me.”

James exercised his player option for $52.6 milllion this summer to play with the Laker, the final year of his deal. He did not sign an extension with the Lakers, meaning that James will be a free agent after the 2025-26 season if he does not retire.