LeBron James has dropped his biggest hint yet that retirement is looming in a bombshell interview.
The NBA icon is preparing for his 23rd season in the league, with the start of pre-season just a couple of weeks away. James and his Los Angeles Lakers teammates will play six-warm up games, before opening their campaign against the Golden State Warriors on 21 October.
The 40-year-old's future was the subject of constant speculation during the off-season, but he chose to exercise his$52.6 million option to return for one more year. But that has not stopped fans from wondering whether this will be his final year before he retires from the sport.
Speaking to Speedy on Complex's YouTube channel, James was asked if his growing business ventures were a sign that he was preparing to retire.
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James said: "No, I'm not. You know, I'm not hinting at anything. Obviously I know I'm on the other side of the hump for sure.
"Like, come on now, I'm not about to play another 23 years that's for damn sure. And I'm not about to play another 10. So, I'm definitely gearing up to where the end is.
"I'm not there yet, but I'm super blessed to be able to sit here."
James is aware that his playing days are numbered and many people he is already preparing for life beyond basketball. Over the summer he revealed he had developed an 'addiction' to golf, saying he wanted to play in all conditions.
The Nike athlete also travelled to China as part of his 'Forever King Tour,' promoting basketball to the next generation.
He is also set to release his latest sneaker, called the Nike LeBron 23, which is set for release on 3 October.
James even joked at the speculation that his new interests were signs that he was going to quit.
"Listen guys every time I pick up something new does not mean retirement," said James.
"It's like oh I seen he's eating with chopsticks, he's retiring. Oh I've seen he wears a t-shirt that's too big. Oh retirement.
"He picked up golf. Retirement. It's just something I want to do, it's just a little hobby. But retirement is coming. It's just not here just yet.
The NBA's all-time leading points scorer will chase his his fifth championship next year.
But with an inexperienced, albeit talented Lakers roster, that includes his son Bronny, it feels unlikely that they will make the Finals.
Topics: Basketball, LA Lakers, Lebron James, NBA
James Taylor