LeBron James retirement date emerges live on ESPN with 40th birthday looming

ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania said he believes LeBron James could call time on his iconic career after next season, when he will be 41 years old and after 23 professional seasonsLeBron James could retire from the NBA as early as next season, according to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania. The reporter made the claim live with Stephen A. Smith when discussing the Los Angeles Lakers’ chances of winning this season’s NBA title.James, currently in his 22nd season of NBA basketball, has helped the Lakes to a positive start and a 7-4 record after 11 games. However, the LA team has gotten as much if not more attention due to the presence of James’ son Bronny, who was drafted by the Lakers and became the first son of an NBA player to play with his father in a game.LeBron turns 40 years old at the end of this season, but Charania believes that the former Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat icon has one more campaign left in him before hanging up his jersey for good. If James does retire at that point, he will be 41 years old and finish with 23 professional seasons.Los Angeles Lakers trade pitch adds $60M NBA center that would complement Anthony DavisLeBron James makes feelings clear about Anthony Davis’ early-season heroics for LA LakersThe Lakers, when they’re not being accused of nepotism by NBA observers, have put together a roster that Charania believes could compete for a championship this season. With Anthony Davis acting as the centerpiece, new head coach J.J. Redick has instituted a system that seems to take advantage of the strengths of his superstars while carving out opportunities for role players as well.The move to hire Redick has seemingly paid off for James, who is averaging the highest three-pointer shooting percentage of his career (.459) as well as the highest free throw percentage (.789). While his usage is not as high as it was earlier in his career, James still plays about 35 minutes per game and is currently averaging the second-most assists per game of his entire career.