LeBron James insists he has no plans to call time on his NBA career, comparing himself to Patriots great Tom Brady.
Prior to the Lakers' game on Friday night at the Staples Center, the 34-year-old was asked if retirement had crossed his mind. James dismissed the suggestion, likening himself to Brady, who is still going strong at the age of 42 and holds the record for the most Super Bowl wins with six.
"I'm not at the end of my story," James said to reporters. "No, not really, not the way I feel right now. Me and Tom Brady are one and the same. We're gonna play until we can't walk no more."
LeBron says of considering retirement: "Me and Tom Brady are one and the same. We're gonna play until we can't walk no more."
— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) November 15, 2019
He says he wants to play until he physically can't, or until he mentally is checking out. But says LeBron: "I'm not at the end of my story." pic.twitter.com/i00feTicrL
MORE: LeBron reacts to Carmelo Anthony's return
Following James' comments, Brady responded from his official Twitter account, tagging the Lakers star.
I’m playing until I can’t dunk anymore! @KingJames https://t.co/K03xVJvMgZ
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) November 16, 2019
James responded in kind: "Well I'm playing until I can't throw TD [touchdown] passes anymore!"
Well I’m playing until I can’t throw TD passes anymore! @TomBrady https://t.co/40dqJwmmmA
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 16, 2019
James was the star of the show for the Lakers on Friday, scoring 29 points and dishing out 11 assists in a 99-97 victory over the Kings. He brought the crowd to its feet in the second quarter with a Dunk of the Year candidate on Kings forward Nemanja Bjelica.
LEBRON JAMES. WOW. pic.twitter.com/m3ihdXQG3G
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) November 16, 2019
Looking pretty good for Year 17.
Witness 👑 pic.twitter.com/eIiwa9rjxx
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 16, 2019