LeBron James Discusses Retirement Plans, Career Longevity, More

LeBron James has done it all in his 13-year career and is already regarded as one of the best players in NBA history, but the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar isn't looking at retirement in the near future.

On Thursday, James did lay out a potential timetable for when he may consider stepping away, though.

"I think later on in my 30s. It's kind of up to my kids, really," he said, per ESPN.com's Dave McMenamin. "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."

If James is looking to his late 30s as a time to retire, that gives him at least four more years. The four-time NBA MVP is 31 years old, so an additional four seasons would give him 17 in the NBA and plenty of records to leave in his wake.

Age is an interesting factor to consider for a player like James. He is 31 by standard measures, but because his teams have made deep playoff runs in each of the last six years, including a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals this year, his legs have many more miles than the typical athlete in his or her early 30s. 

James told McMenamin that because his teams have been so successful in the postseason, he's had to change his preparation for each new season:

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It's not like I go into the season saying, "OK, I'm going to play into June." I don't have that sense of entitlement, but I do prepare myself for the long haul. And saying, if I am fortunate enough to be a part of it, then it's more of a marathon and not a sprint for me. I've played a lot of basketball over the last few years and I've been fortunate to play at the highest level for a long time now. I have to listen to my body, and my body has done well for me.

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James also credited trainers and advances in medical research for helping keep athletes in peak form longer. 

"I think with the science and the research and the ability to have multiple trainers and things of that nature and also guys taking the individual account of their own bodies, guys are able to play into their late 30s and some into their 40s, as you're seeing today," he said, per McMenamin.

The Cavaliers have taken some small steps to protect James as he's gotten older. He played a career-low 35.6 minutes per game this season, per Basketball-Reference.com. 

There is going to come a time when all of those extra games and minutes catch up to James, just as they did for Kobe Bryant over his last three years and for Tim Duncan this season. 

Cleveland's window to compete for championships in the Eastern Conference is wide-open, assuming James remains with the franchise, but ownership and the coaching staff have become keenly aware that things change for a player in his 30s.

James is one of the most physically talented athletes in any sport. He's never missed more than 13 games in a season and figures to keep playing at an elite level for a long time. Whenever he wants to walk away, it will be a sad day for the sport of basketball—but one he's earned.