LeBron James says he hopes to end career as member of Lakers - ESPN

INDIANAPOLIS — LeBron James, speaking before his record-setting 20th NBA All-Star Game appearance, stated the obvious on Sunday when he said he's much closer to the end of his brilliant career than he is to the beginning.

While the 39-year-old James claims to not have a precise plan in place for what the final stage of his playing days will look like, he said he does have a preference: suiting up for the purple and gold as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

«I am a Laker and I'm happy and been very happy being a Laker the last six years and hopefully it stays that way,» James said. «But I don't have the answer to how long it is or which uniform I'll be in. Hopefully [it] is with the Lakers. It's a great organization, so many greats. But we'll see.»

James arrived at All-Star Weekend on Sunday, rather than on Saturday like the rest of the All-Stars, because he was seeking treatment on his left ankle that caused him to sit out L.A.'s last game before the break — a 138-122 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.

«Trying to get my ankle as strong and as back to where I feel confident that I can finish off this last third of the season,» James said. «I won't be playing the entire game tonight, for sure. I can get out there and run around with the young guys for a little bit and then shut it down at some point to give my body, and my ankle more importantly, another opportunity to rest.»

James said he would leave Indianapolis to travel to receive more medical attention on his left ankle before L.A.'s next game, Thursday on the road against the Golden State Warriors.

«The most important thing for me is definitely my health, where I'm at right now, where our team is leaning,» James said. «We're trending in the right direction.

»Obvi