Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James celebrated his 40th birthday on December 30, 2024. Despite being 40 years old, he continues to dominate against the elite young players in the league. Now in his 22nd NBA season, speculation about his potential retirement is a common topic of discussion.
To clarify for fans, a reporter asked James if he wanted to finish his career with the Lakers. The four-time NBA Champion responded, “I think that’s the plan. I think I would love for it to end here. I came here (LA) to play the last stage of my career and to finish it off here.”
James’ remarks sparked a lively debate among NBA fans on social media, particularly after Legion Hoops shared his comments on X (formerly Twitter). A multitude of fans eagerly chimed in, sharing their opinions in the comment section.
LeBron on finishing his career with the Lakers:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 30, 2024
“I think that’s the plan. I would love for it to end here… But I’m also not silly or too jaded to know the business of the game as well.”
(via @Underdog__NBA) pic.twitter.com/nhg7uCylUD
One fan said, “LeBron will end his career in the Bay with Steph and Draymond.”
LeBron will end his career in the Bay with Steph and Draymond
— JBond (@jbondwagon) December 30, 2024
Meanwhile, another fan mentioned, “He can come to Dallas on a minimum and finish his career there. We still own him.”
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
He can come to Dallas on a minimum and finish his career there. We still own him
— F ᴸᵘᵏᵃ✨💫 (@FlukaTime) December 30, 2024
Another fan commented, “If he plays 7 more all-nba level seasons and wins 2 more championships he’s the greatest Laker ever ngl.”
If he plays 7 more all-nba level seasons and wins 2 more championships he's the greatest Laker ever ngl
— ChoZen (@Chozenboii) December 30, 2024
Another fan said, “Just join the Warriors.”
Just join the Warriors😭🙏
— TheWarriorsHouse (@GSWarriorsHouse) December 30, 2024
A sports enthusiast mentioned, “Lakers will make sure he plays his last game there.”
Lakers will make sure he plays his last game there
— Steve (@SZ_Investing) December 30, 2024
Another fan remarked, “why would he not finish his career in Cleveland?”
why would he not finish his career in Cleveland?
— moe🧰 (@districtupnxt) December 30, 2024
Skip Bayless Leaves Fans Amazed With Unique Birthday Shout-Out For LeBron James
On James’ 40th birthday, the entire NBA community began sending him wishes. However, the most unexpected and shocking message came from his biggest critic, Skip Bayless, who had consistently criticized James over the years. Surprisingly, on this special day, he shared a heartfelt message for him during a recent episode of “The Skip Bayless Show.”
“Happy 40th birthday, LeBron Raymone James Sr., Today, the greatest gift I can give you is just dozens of roses without a single thorn. All compliments without a single criticism. Bron, you are still the best passer in basketball at age 40…You’re also the greatest basket attacker ever. I have never ever seen anything like your ability to play bully ball, even at age 40. You’re the greatest combination of force and finesse that I’ve ever seen.” Bayless said.
Happy 40th Birthday LeBron James. pic.twitter.com/XRo9TwEvZp
— The Skip Bayless Show (@SkipBaylessShow) December 30, 2024
Bayless stated that James is ‘the most durable superstar athlete ever’ because he continues to deliver elite performances. He also referred to the Lakers superstar as the King due to his durability.