Lakers Tickets See Price Surge After LeBron's Cryptic Post Sparks Retirement Rumors

"I'm excited about the opportunity to be able to play the game that I love for another season," James said. "However the journey lays out this year, I'm super-invested because I don't know when the end is. I know it's a lot sooner than later."

James, 40, is preparing for his NBA-record 23rd season and eighth season with the Lakers.

"It's pretty cool to know how many miles I've got and still be able to play at a high level," James said. "For me, age is kind of just a number, but it is reality, too. You look at the history of the game, there's not been many guys at my age, especially going into Year 23, that have been able to play at a level like that. I just try not to take it for granted and just try to give the game as much as I can, inspire whoever I can."

The Lakers will open up the season against the Golden State Warriors at home Oct. 21.