LeBron James, 41, said he finds himself thinking about retirement at unexpected times.
On Friday’s episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast, the NBA star talked about leaving the Los Angeles Lakers for the Philadelphia 76ers and how he weighs his future in the sport.
The thought that he may be nearing his final game can come to him “at random moments” and “random times of the day,” James told podcast host Steve Nash.
He said it can happen on game days, during bus rides to the arena, or while he’s reading or listening to music on a flight.
Ultimately, the decision to retire will come down to whether he can still meet his own expectations.
If he can no longer commit to “the process of waking up and training the body and training the mind” consistently and feel good afterward, James said, “then I know for sure that I’m done.”
With his wife and three children encouraging him to keep playing, James said he sees no point in stopping while he still has the opportunity and ability to do what he loves.
He added that he will not cut corners on the work required to keep playing at a high level.
“I’m not going to cheat it. I’m not going to just wake up and show up to practice — no stretch, no workout, no weight room, no recovery, no nothing — and just go on the court and play,” he said. “There’s no way I could do that and be successful in this game.”
At this stage of his life and career, the motivation to keep playing is about more than just a love of basketball.
He said he is just as driven by the process of keeping his body strong and his mind “fresh.”
“I think I’m more in love with the pursuit of, ‘How much can I continue to defy the odds?'” James said.
In July, James pushed back on the idea that athletes should retire simply because of their age, noting that musicians such as Bruce Springsteen and the Rolling Stones are not held to the same expectations.
“We’re giving everything that we have to the sport, and we’re still driving revenue as well. Why not still play it if you still love it?” James said.
James is among several high-profile figures who have said they plan to keep working.
“Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary told Business Insider that he was “never going to retire.” He said pushing himself outside his comfort zone and taking on new challenges has helped him stay mentally and physically healthy as he ages.
Morgan Freeman has also said he plans to keep working because it keeps him feeling young.
“There is a saying about old age — ‘Keep moving’ — and what Clint Eastwood, 95, says: ‘Don’t let the old man in,'” Freeman said.
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