"Till I die" - LeBron James makes staunch statement on IG post standout performance for Lakers vs Grizzlies
LA Lakers star LeBron James made a big statement on Instagram following Wednesday's 128-123 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. James posted his highlights from the game on his Instagram story on Thursday after posting his third consecutive triple-double, setting another record.
Having a third straight triple-double has already been done by James in the past. Five years ago, he was one of two players who achieved such a feat. He broke his record as the oldest player to have double digits in three categories in the stat sheet.
The four-time MVP did it when he was 34 years and 310 days old. The other player who had such a record was Jason Kidd. He recorded three straight triple-doubles when he was 34 years and 291 days old.
On Instagram, James posted the highlights of his performance where he had 35 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists. James paired it with 'Three 6 Mafia's song "Stay Fly" and used the lyrics from the chorus as the caption.
"I gotta stay.. til I die," James posted on IG.
The Lakers' next game is Friday against the San Antonio Spurs. It will be their first game of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup.
Also read: Skip Bayless pens congratulatory note for LeBron James after 39-year-old superstar records 3rd consecutive triple-double
LeBron James hints at retirement
LeBron James will turn the page in December and be 40 years old. While some NBA stars find it difficult to move in their late 30s, James can still perform at a high level. Fans saw what the 6-foot-9 star can still do on the court with his recent triple-double outing versus Memphis.
However, he hinted after the game that his retirement could be right around the corner.
"I'm not going to play that much longer to be completely honest," James said. "I don't know how many years that is. If it's one year or two years, whatever the case may be. I said the other night, I'm not playing until the wheels fall off. I'm not going to be that guy. I'm not going to be the guy who is disrespecting the game because I just wanted to be out on the floor."
ESPN's Shams Charania predicted on Thursday that James could stay for one more season before he calls it quits.
"My sense is next season could potentially be his last season in the NBA," Charania said. "... Maybe Bryce James keeps him around an extra year or two."
As he turns 40, James is averaging 24.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 9.4 assists. That is more than good enough to keep him going for some time.
Also read: Watch: LeBron James walks away as JJ Redick seemingly yells at him and rookie Dalton Knecht over missed assignment