The average NBA career is roughly five years, but some players last much longer.

While Los Angeles Lakers phenom LeBron James may be past his prime, A former Los Angeles Clippers guard and two-time All-Star believes he still has plenty of juice left in the tank.

“I think LeBron can play until 45 if he wants to,” Baron Davis told Responsible Gambler’s DJ Siddiqi Tuesday. “I know he loves Los Angeles, but in LA you have to win championships. That’s going to determine how many championships the Lakers win or whether they’re championship contenders.”

“For LeBron, he’s playing to win championships. It’s a matter of when he feels like he’s done enough. He’s already done more than what we all expected. We all appreciate his gift and what he’s brought to this league. When the King is ready to retire, then we’re done.”

Interestingly, three weeks before turning 38, James revealed his plan to play until his mid-40s.

“I asked him how much longer (James) wants to play, and he said he wants to play for five to seven more years,” Brooklyn Nets guard Dennis Schröder said during a 2022 interview. “He’s turning 38 now, he says 45.”

When Shroder was asked about James’ statement this past January, he gave his honest opinion on James potentially exiting the NBA at age 45.

“Let’s see,” Shroder told Sportskeeda’s Mark Medina. “He, for sure, has got it. He hasn’t slowed down at 39 now. He can play however long he wants to play with how he takes care of his body.”

James has performed at an extraordinarily high level for two decades. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 draft may not be every NBA enthusiast’s GOAT, but it would be foolish to disregard the fact he’s one of the most accomplished NBA players of all time.

The 6-foot-8 forward has netted over 40,000 points, won four championships, received 20 All-Star nods, and earned four MVP awards, just to name a few highlights of James’ career.

The four-time finals MVP has also averaged at least 20 points, five ᴀssists, and five rebounds on 21 consecutive occasions. On Tuesday, James had an opportunity to take the floor with his son, Bronny, and become the first father-son duo in NBA history.

James has done it all as an NBA player, which is why he feels he has nothing left to prove. 

“No, everything else is extra credit,” James told LoJo Media’s Lauren Jones on Oct. 1 when asked if there was anything left for him to accomplish as a basketball player. “I’ll take it though. I love what I do. But I don’t need to…I have everything.”

James may be one of the most scrutinized legends in the game, but the basketball world will mourn when he finally becomes a full-time spectator.