As the Los Angeles Lakers head into a pivotal offseason, one question looms larger than the rest: how much longer will LeBron James keep going?
Now 40 years old and fresh off his 22nd NBA season, James continues to defy the limitations of time. His production — 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and a steal per game across 70 appearances — remains elite, even by the league’s highest standards. But as remarkable as his longevity has been, the end of his legendary run inevitably draws closer, whether it’s next year or sometime further down the road.
James himself has remained characteristically vague on retirement, offering cryptic posts and occasional hints over the years. Yet according to Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht, the King may not be hanging it up anytime soon.
“He said he can play another five, ten years,” Knecht said recently when caught by TMZ. “So, me and ‘Bron could run it for another five, ten years. Why not?!”
That optimism might raise eyebrows, but the numbers suggest it’s not entirely far-fetched. Despite occasional injuries, James has mostly stayed on the floor — and when he’s there, he still commands the game like few others in league history.
For Knecht, though, the future in L.A. is far less certain.
Dalton Knecht In Los Angeles Lakers Trade Rumors
The Lakers reportedly explored trading the 24-year-old guard prior to February’s deadline in a deal centered around Charlotte Hornets big man Mark Williams. The move ultimately collapsed after Williams failed his physical, but it exposed how willing the front office was to use Knecht as a trade asset — a stance that could resurface this summer as Los Angeles looks to reshape its roster.
Knecht showed flashes under interim head coach JJ Redick, validating his selection in the first round of this past draft. Still, his name is expected to come up in potential trade talks once again, especially if the Lakers pursue a starting-caliber center — something they desperately lacked during their first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
That series laid bare the team’s shortcomings in the frontcourt, despite strong individual efforts from James and co-star Luka Dončić. A reliable big man would not only stabilize the rotation but could also elevate the Lakers into true contender status.
It’s likely the Lakers will explore every avenue — the free agent market, the trade block, and yes, potentially moving Knecht — to address that void. With expectations soaring and James still operating at an elite level, there’s urgency in every decision the front office makes.
LeBron’s timeline, however long it may be, sets the pace. Whether he has one season left or ten, the window for championship contention remains open — but not indefinitely. If this coming campaign does end up being his last, it’ll mark the final chapter in one of the greatest careers the sport has ever seen.
Until then, LeBron is still here, still dominant, and, if you ask his rookie teammate, still not anywhere close to finished.