Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center.
It is clear LeBron James is nearing the end of a historic career in the NBA. But while some anticipate the Los Angeles Lakers legend to retire by the end of next season, two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant believes James has a lot more than that left in the tank.
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Durant recently went head-to-head with James in the Houston Rockets’ game against the Lakers on Wednesday. James scored 30 points, which was the most he had scored since putting up 31 points against the Atlanta Hawks on Jan. 13.
After the game, Durant said he thinks James could play for four or five more seasons.
“Me? I think he could play til he’s 45 years old. I don’t know if he want to be around that long, but I think he could play for another four to five more years, to be honest,” Durant said after the Lakers’ 124-116 win over the Rockets, per SportsCenter.
“It’s not a surprise anymore. He is 41, but he looks great out there. When you love the game as much as he does, you’ll do anything to stay locked in and stay on top of your game. So he’s very inspiring as a human being,” Durant added.
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Durant Could Play Into His 40s Like James
Durant is another long-time NBA veteran. He is 37 years old and playing the 18th season of his career with the Rockets. Durant has not revealed his exact timeline for retirement but said recently he wants to play for as long as he can.
“I’m looking to be here (with the Rockets) as long as I can, play my last years of my career,” Durant said, via Sports Illustrated. “That’s the intent. I know, I said that about Phoenix, too, but that’s the intent. I would love to do that. I mean, I’m 37 years old and I’m going on 19 years in the league. I want to be solidified in a spot and build with a team with a group of guys that’s going to be around for a while. So hopefully this is it.”
Durant signed a two-year, $90 million contract extension with Houston in October. The deal includes a player option for the 2027-28 season.
If he does not sign another contract, Durant could retire two seasons from now at age 39.
Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images