Things are not going well for the Los Angeles Lakers right now. The situation could soon get worse because the team may be out of the playoffs while battling constant talk about LeBron James’ retirement once again. At this point, speculation and rumors about James leaving the league have become like clockwork, and since the season seems nearly over for the Lakers thanks to the relentless Oklahoma City Thunder, fans have to be ready for the conversation that is about to begin.

This year could be different, however, because James’ time in the league is truly near an end. No one knows how much more time is left on the clock, but the final buzzer will sound soon.

LeBron James’ Retirement Is Coming—But When?

For the last few years, James has thrown fuel on the fire at the end of every season. Less than a day after he is eliminated from the playoffs, James begins mentioning retirement and spending time with his family. His legacy is beyond secure, so if James wants to hang up his jersey for good, no one would blame him.

Not everyone takes James’ retirement talk seriously. Some feel it’s all designed for attention-grabbing headlines and a few more minutes in the limelight. Even former coach Michael Malone commented on it after his Denver Nuggets eliminated LA. “Speaking of the Lakers—I’m thinking about retiring,” Malone joked with the press. With the Lakers on the verge of elimination and potentially even being swept by the Thunder, all eyes will be on James and the first comments out of his mouth.

Even if James doesn’t say a thing, the media will light up the airwaves and internet with their own speculation, wondering out loud how much longer the Lakers will have the four-time champion. There are rumors that he won’t retire but will play next season on another team. ESPN and other outlets are surely drafting headlines about the 22-time All-Star joining the Golden State Warriors or Cleveland Cavaliers.

Normally, James’ talk about leaving the NBA isn’t taken too seriously, but things may be different this year. It’s unlikely this will be his last season, but a retirement announcement could still be coming. James could let the world know that next season will be his final one, giving the league ample time to prepare its biggest farewell tour ever.

The conversation around James’ retirement is justified. NBA fans may never witness something like this ever again. Due to his impact on professional sports and the amount of time he’s spent playing at such a high level, James has earned all the attention. It is hard to imagine any current player reaching the same milestones or competing as long. Who will replace James? Victor Wembanyama? Kevin Durant?

James’ career, spanning two decades, is one of a kind. There won’t be another player who generates such a constant response from the media and fans, so his retirement will be the end of an era in multiple ways. It’ll be a change for the Lakers, the league, and the people who cover it.

For years, James’ retirement talk has not been taken seriously, causing more eye rolls than gasps.

James can not continue on this incredible run forever, though. The NBA world needs to start giving serious consideration to retirement comments made by James and those around him. It may not be right now, but there is no escaping that James’ fantastic NBA career is coming to an end.