Speaking for the first time as a 40-year-old NBA player, LeBron James said Monday that he could continue playing at a high level in the NBA for several more seasons if he wanted to.

“To be honest, if I really wanted to, I could probably play this game at a high level one more time or so – it’s strange that I could say that – but probably another five to seven years if I wanted to,” said James said. “But I won’t do that.”

James said he has a “very good” relationship with his eventual retirement from the NBA, although he said he won’t give up because his skills require it.

Speaking to reporters to mark his 40th birthday on Monday, James directly addressed his potential retirement, saying he envisions it happening at some point with the Lakers.

“That would be the plan,” he said of staying with the Lakers. “I came here to play the last stage of my career and to end it here. But I’m also not stupid or too jaded to know the business of the game, to know the business of basketball. But I think my relationship with this organization speaks for itself. And hopefully I don’t have to go anywhere before my career is over.”

He has been the subject of some mild trade rumors at times over the past two years and currently has a no-trade clause in his contract. He has a player option at the end of this season, and he could opt out and sign a new contract with the team in free agency as well.

Read more: LeBron James turns 40: A look at his longevity and the end of his career

James again marveled at his longevity in the league, something that happens more annually as he sets milestones like he did earlier this month for most minutes played in the league. And although he said he tried to avoid serious reflection, turning 40 makes it impossible to ignore the passage of time.

“I mean, I had a decade of the ’30s where I just woke up and was like, ‘Oh, damn, you’re 40?’ It’s really ridiculous knowing where I’m at and how I’m still playing the game at a high level,” he said. “Still such a young man, but old compared to the years I have had in this profession. But I think when I came into the league, obviously that was the first thing I thought about. You came here as an 18-year-old kid and now you sit here as a 40-year-old, 22-year-old veteran and also a 20-year-old in the NBA. So, it’s pretty cool.”

In 28 games this season, James averaged 23.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 9.0 assists. Only reigning Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic has numbers above these benchmarks.

The remaining term of James’ contract with the Lakers is a natural potential end date, but he left the door open Monday to the possibility of being lured to stay based on championship opportunities. On Sunday, the Lakers appeared to improve their roster by signing defensive and shooting specialist Dorian Finney-Smith from Brooklyn.

“The first person I thought of (Eagles offensive lineman) Jason Kelce. And earlier this year he had a conversation with Jalen Hurts where he talked about the same factor, the fact that they’re extremely good this year, and had you ever thought about coming back and maybe not retiring? Naturally. But he is very happy with the decision he made.

“At the moment I think we are a very good team. I think we have a chance to compete with anyone in the league. Are we at championship level? Can we win a championship now? No, I don’t think so. But that’s a good thing because we have so much room for improvement and we also added two new people in DoeDoe (Dorian-Finney Smith) and Shake (Milton). So we’ll see how we integrate these people. This should be fun too. I’m glad you’re here. But we’ll see. I don’t know if that will determine whether I stay longer because it doesn’t change my career in any way.”

Read more: The Lakers acquire Dorian Finney-Smith by trading D’Angelo Russell to the Nets

But every time he leaves, James knows that even if he is at peace, it will hurt.

“I’d miss the hell out of it,” he said.

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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.