As LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, Mike Breen mentions that it could potentially be the legendary NBA star’s last visit. However, the seasoned Knicks announcer, calling the game for ABC/ESPN, believes that the 40-year-old James may still have a few more years left in him and is not overly focused on that possibility.
Breen speculated on James’ longevity, estimating he might continue playing until the age of “47 or 48.” In an interview with The New York Post, he noted that James appears to have plenty left in the tank, stating, “The way he’s going, I think we’ll be having this conversation in 2032 and 2033 as he gets to 47, 48.” While acknowledging the possibility of this being a significant game, he emphasized there’s no definitive retirement date, allowing for a focus on the game itself instead of speculation. “Will we be seeing him again here? Is the crowd responding to him because they think it might be the last time? You just never know… it will be discussed, but not overblown, because I still have a feeling he’s going to be playing a few more years with what he’s doing right now.”
Despite his age, James is still competing at an elite level. Breen remarked, “I said this on the air last week when we did a Lakers game in San Francisco against the Warriors, but the year he’s having this season at age 40 in his 22nd year in the league is better than the career years of many Hall of Fame players.” Any uncertainties regarding how much longer James will play may revolve around how long he actually wants to continue rather than any physical limitations.
Breen hopes that when James decides to retire, he does so with enough time to enjoy a farewell tour. “I hope he does, because for what he’s done for the game, I think fans around the country, even those who’ve enjoyed booing him over the years, would love to give him a standing ovation. He deserves that at every arena he’s played in, and fans deserve a chance to say thank you, as well.”
