Factory Of Sadness
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Kids To Decide When He Retires, But LeBron James Probably Far From Ending NBA Career

By Nick Dudukovich

May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) calls for a jump ball after tying up Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (not shown) at the end of game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers won 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) calls for a jump ball after tying up Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (not shown) at the end of game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers won 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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LeBron James hinted  the length of his NBA career would depend on how long his kids let him play, but ESPN writer Brian Windhorst believes James won’t be going anywhere for a long time.

The Cavs were one of the biggest drama-queen teams during the NBA regular season as fans watched the franchise fire their winning coach, as rumors and speculation ran rampant on the internet over which players were getting along with one another as the Cavs played inconsistency through first 82.

Yes through the first two rounds of the playoffs, Cleveland hasn’t lost a game. The team looks as good as ever, knocking down 3-pointers at a historic clip. And since things are going so well, there’s just not much to talk about.

The media is looking for anything to write about…so someone asked LeBron James how long he intends to play.

James, 31, echoed what a lot of pro athletes say about being absent from their families while they pursue the fame and fortune of a career in professional sports.

“It’s kind of up to my kids, really,” the 13-year veteran said via Pro Basketball Talk. “I’ve missed so much of my kids’ tournaments and things of that nature when I’m playing. So, it’s kind of up to them. They’ll let me know when they’re tired of seeing me go away.”

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While LeBron undoubtedly misses watching his kids develop into AAU basketball starts, don’t look for him to hang up his sneakers anytime soon.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believes James will play into his late 30s.

On ESPN Cleveland’s “The Golden Boyz” radio show, Windy said LeBron will play “…Many, many many years. Because as he ages, he will continue to use and take advantage of his size. He will play lower to the ground and closer to the basket. That’s one thing he has, that other guys in the past who have not aged as well don’t have.”

Windy also noted that despite even though James has logged some serious minutes throughout his career, he’s never had a serious injury.

“I see no reason why he should’n’t e able to be a top level player into his mid 30s and a difference making and high quality player into his late 30s.”

What Windy didn’t say was that LeBron may finally sign a long-term contract this summer–or possibly next, when the NBA salary cap increases.

There’s been talk that LeBron wants to be a $30 million per year player. If he can sign a max deal and earn that much annually, I fully expect him to do it.

As the classic line from All The President’s Men goes, “Follow the money.”

Next: Skip Bayless Trolls Kevin Love After Cavs Sweep Hawks

James will technically be a free agent this summer when he (most likely) opts out of his contract. He’s basically had one-year deals with the Cavaliers ever since he returned to Cleveland. Some of this has to do with keeping pressure on the Cavs, and it’s believed James has been setting himself for some serious bank in free agency.

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