LeBron James on early retirement: 'I got a lot more game to play'

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — At 34, LeBron James is making his 15th appearance in the NBA All-Star Game and apparently there’s no end in sight.

“I got a lot more game to play,’’ James said Saturday during media day at NBA All-Star weekend. “I got a lot, a ton more years to play this game and suit up and be in a Lakers uniform. …Hopefully I can sit up here and answer questions as a player for a long time.’’

The issue of longevity surfaced when James, in the first year of a four-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, was asked about his recent comment that one day he would like to own an NBA team.

“It’s not like I think about it on a day-to-day basis,’’ James said. “I was asked a question and I answered it how I felt at that point in time. And I believe that if I wanted to I could own a team, or be a part of a basketball team.

“I know that I got so much knowledge in the game that I don’t want to, once I stop playing, want to just get away from the game. Obviously I’m going to be involved with my sons because they’re going to play the game, they’re playing the game now, so I’m going to be along with them.’’

During his session with the media, James noted that Michael Jordan’s ownership of the Charlotte Hornets. James could become the second player to be a own a franchise.

“It would have to be the right fit, it would have to be the right city, it would have to be the right situation,’’ he said. “It’s not like it’s a dream of mine. It’s more of aspiration.’’

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