Everybody wants to know if [Los Angeles Lakers](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/los-angeles-lakers) superstar LeBron James is going to retire, and it doesn't sound like there is a guaranteed answer on what he plans to do anytime soon.
James has proven that he can still play at a relatively high level, at least well enough to continue playing in the NBA.
He might not be the same caliber of superstar he once was, but he's still a big-time player and figure, and figures to be a decent piece to a rather above-average team next season, no matter where he ends up.
In an exclusive interview with TIME, James spoke about the chances of retiring and when that decision will be made. It doesn't sound like it really has anything to do with physicality, but more about how he feels mentally.
“It’s up to the mind,” said James, per Sean Gregory of [TIME](https://time.com/collection/time100-sports/2026/lebron-james/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_content=090626). “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 2½ hours beforehand, then I know I’ll be done. Because then I'm going to start cheating the game.”
Physically speaking, James remains one of the most imposing players the NBA has ever seen.
Even at 41 years old, it's absolutely ridiculous to see what the guy does on both sides of the basketball when he really turns it up a notch. Mentally, however, it has to get draining playing at this level for as long as he has, and that could play a factor in his decision at some point.
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