LeBron James has revealed that his retirement decision will depend on his mindset and daily love for basketball rather than outside factors. The Lakers star said he will know it is time to retire when he no longer enjoys his pre-game preparation and practice routine.
LeBron James has opened up about how he will eventually decide when to retire from basketball, giving a clear explanation of the mindset that will guide the final decision of his career.
The Los Angeles Lakers star, now in his 22nd NBA season, says the choice will not depend on contracts, stats, or outside opinions. Instead, it will come down to his daily relationship with the game and how he feels about the preparation process.
LeBron reveals his retirement signal
In a recent interview with Time Magazine, James explained that his retirement will come the moment he no longer feels the same passion for preparation and routine.
"It's up to the mind. Where the mind goes, the body will lay. When I'm not in love with getting to the arenas on game days five hours before to start my preparation, if I'm out of love with getting to practice 2,5 hours beforehand, then I know I'll be done. Because then I'm going to start cheating the game."
For James, the key factor is simple: love for the process. He emphasized that early arrivals, long preparation hours, and consistent practice habits are what define his commitment. Once that feeling disappears, he says, it will be the clear sign to step away.
Even at this stage of his career, James continues to produce strong numbers. In his 22nd NBA season, he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game while shooting 51.5 percent from the field across 60 appearances
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