James Media Day Interview: I’m Willing to Adjust My Playstyle for Doncic; When You Lose the Passion, It’s Time to Retire

On September 30th Beijing time, ESPN held a one-on-one interview with James. In the conversation, James talked about his 23rd season and the factors that affect his retirement timing. Here is the full interview transcript—

Reporter: Congratulations on making history! In the 79 years of the league, no player has ever played in a 23rd season. As the oldest player to reach this achievement, what are your feelings?

James: Honestly, it humbles me deeply. To still be on the court at this stage of my career—considering my age and experience—and playing the game I love is a very special feeling. Being part of history is really cool. The league has so many incredible stories and legendary moments, and now I get to be part of it and write my own chapter, which means a lot to me.

Reporter: As you mentioned to us before, you seem to be in great shape with little change, but how do you feel inside? Facing 82 regular-season games plus a hopeful playoff run, are you ready?

James: Of course, it’s always a challenge. The key is keeping my body as close to 100% as possible. Last season, I suffered a medial collateral ligament sprain, and in recent years, my feet have occasionally given me minor issues. So the challenge for me has been how to adjust my physical condition to perform at my best. I’m still recovering and haven’t reached my ideal state yet, but honestly, I don’t expect to be at peak form in September. There’s still time, and I’m looking forward to this gradual preparation process.

Reporter: Will this gradual recovery pace affect your participation early in training camp or even your form at the start of the season?

James: That depends on how things go. Obviously, I want to take part in as much training and gameplay as possible, but both I and the coaching staff understand my current recovery progress and know when it’s appropriate for me to play or rest. After all, this is my 23rd season, and my career has accumulated a lot of mileage. I’ve been training throughout the offseason, and even if I’m not on the court, being “present” is important—I stay involved with the team’s tactics and make sure I understand every detail. So I’m excited about what’s ahead.

Reporter: You’re not only a highly accomplished player but also very savvy in basketball business matters. This is your first contract year since joining the Lakers eight seasons ago. How did this situation come about? Do you think it will affect your performance this season?

James: It won’t affect me at all. I’m very excited about the challenges and passion of the new season—we’ve brought in some new players, and the coaching staff has had a year to gel, plus I get to play a full season again alongside Luka and teammates I’ve fought alongside before. I’m full of anticipation and completely unconcerned about contract issues; they don’t bother me at all. Honestly, I’m grateful to still have a contract and the chance to play the game I love at this stage of my career, and I intend to cherish this opportunity fully.

Reporter: You mentioned before that “retirement is near but not imminent.” When weighing whether to end your career, what factors do you consider? For example, when would you feel “this is enough, this is the full picture of my career, and it’s time to retire”?

James: For me, the core is whether I still have passion for the “preparation process.” Each year, to get ready for a full season, I have to adjust my body, sharpen my mindset, and stay committed to training—if one day I lose love for these processes, then I know my career might really be over.

Reporter: In your view, what would define a “successful” season for the Lakers this year?

James: The key is “attention to detail,” every single day. The Western Conference is incredibly competitive, and the league’s overall intensity is fierce, so we have to be meticulous on both offense and defense, hold each other accountable, and push one another. Every day, we must play with the mindset of “chasing the championship.” Of course, paying attention to details doesn’t guarantee wins—an NBA season is full of ups and downs. Sometimes you play well and lose; sometimes you don’t play well but still win. That’s part of the game. But as long as we focus on details, I believe we’ll be headed in the right direction.

Reporter: How will you help Doncic become the best version of himself this season?

James: First, I have to be responsible for myself, prepare well, and do what I need to do on the court, trusting my clutch abilities. If I need to adjust my personal style—whether for the team’s benefit or to make his game easier—I will do it—that’s part of my role.

Reporter: This year, might we see you, Austin Reaves, and Reddick playing golf together to build team chemistry? Could this become a new way for the team to develop cohesion?

James: Definitely, there will be such activities! Whether we make them public or not is another matter, but we will absolutely play golf together.

Reporter: I want to share something with you. This summer, I went to Zambia and on a dirt road near Mufue, I met someone wearing a Lakers No. 23 jersey with your name on it, colored red, black, purple, and yellow.

James: Wait, is that a half-Jordan, half-me hybrid jersey?

Reporter: No, it’s your exclusive jersey, just with those colors.

James: Wow, someone in a remote part of Zambia, Africa, wearing my jersey... I’ve never been there, but hearing this is really cool and humbling. To inspire people worldwide from this position is a special feeling. Wherever that friend is now, I want to send my best wishes from the U.S. and hope to meet him someday.

Reporter: One last question about the upcoming season. Since we don’t know when your career will end, but it’s clearly approaching, what do you most want to cherish and fully experience?

James: “Living in the moment.” Not dwelling on yesterday or obsessing about what’s next, just focusing on the present. Like right now, sitting here talking with you—that’s what matters most. Whatever comes next, I’ll keep that “living in the moment” mindset. Because, as I said, I don’t know when the end will come, but I do know the remaining time won’t be as long as The Godfather Part II, so I have to treasure every moment.