After 22 seasons of defying age and expectations, LeBron James still isn’t ready to walk away from the game. While the regular season no longer excites him, once the playoffs arrive, the fire is reignited.
“It’s definitely a drug,” James admitted to Steve Nash on their podcast Mind the Game. “The regular season is fun, sure. But the playoffs? That’s all I care about.”
Now 40, LeBron continues to perform at an elite level, driven by the high-stakes intensity of postseason basketball. This year, the narrative adds a twist—with Luka Doncic now alongside him in Los Angeles after a shocking midseason trade from Dallas.
The Lakers’ move to land Doncic wasn’t just about star power—it was a strategic shot at giving LeBron one more real run at a title.
And LeBron knows what’s at stake. He’s built his legacy on playoff moments—most notably leading the Cavaliers back from a 3-1 hole against the 73-win Warriors in the 2016 Finals. It’s in these high-pressure games that legends are made.
“There’s nothing like it,” James said. “The atmosphere, the preparation, the mental focus—I’ve been chasing that feeling for 22 years.”
Still, talk of the next chapter is never far behind. With his son Bronny James on the rise and edging closer to the NBA, LeBron hasn’t been shy about his desire to one day share the floor with him—even if it means taking a pay cut or leaving Los Angeles.
“I’ll do whatever it takes,” he’s said before.
While Savannah James may not be involved in the final decision—something she’s acknowledged—LeBron’s focus remains squarely on the present. With Doncic by his side and another playoff run underway, retirement can wait. For now, the King is still chasing the crown.