40-year-old James said he has not planned to retire, but his career is over, responding to whether he plans to compete with his second son.

Lakers superstar, 40-year-old James, said in an interview with the US media on the 18th that he has no plans to retire at the moment. His main thing now is to actively recover from his left knee injury and strive to recover to almost 100% before the training camp in the new season.

At the same time, James responded to the topic of "whether there is a plan to extend his career to 2026 to compete with his second son Bryce (Bryce will have the right to participate in the draft in 2026)". He said: "If I have such an idea, then I am really insane." James did not give a clear retirement schedule, but he also believes that his career has entered its final stage. Although he is 40 years old, James' performance last season remains at the top level in the league. It's just a pity that the Lakers lost to the young Timberwolves 1-4 in the first round of the playoffs, and the season ended. James has one year left on his contract with the Lakers, but he has the right to jump out of his contract early this summer and become a free agent. According to James' previous "convention" of renewing his contract with the Lakers, he will jump out of his contract and become a free agent and then sign a 1+1 contract extension with the Lakers. James may reduce his salary slightly in order for the Lakers to have more salary space, but it depends on the Lakers' signings. So far, James has not made a decision on whether to break out of the contract.

James suffered a left knee injury in the last game of the playoffs last season, and he is currently focused on recovering from injury. "I hope that before the start of the new season training camp, I can recover to nearly 100%. " James' statement is seen by the outside world as a signal that he will not retire.

James expressed his gratitude to his family. "The kids all told me, Dad, go and continue to pursue your dreams. You have been with us for enough time. When you have such family support, you will feel that making decisions will be easier," he said.

James has played alongside the big man and currently playing for the Lakers last season, creating NBA history. James' second son, Bryce, who is also talented, will participate in the draft as early as the summer of 2026. If Bryce is selected, he will play in the 2026-27 season. What the outside world is curious about is whether James has plans to compete with his second son? "If I had such an idea, I was insane," James said.

Just like before, James has not yet determined the specific time of retirement, but he said his career is coming to an end. "I don't think I have much left in my career, although I still love the game. I don't have a specific time to retire, it depends on my physical condition."

Review: Lin Xihe