Even as he preps for what could be the second run of back-to-backNBA  titles of his career, LeBron James senses the end is near as he sees many other stars before him head towards retirement.

Over the last several months, the now 31-year-old, 13-year veteran has soberly looked on as Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett, all once among his fiercest rivals, have all walked away from the game they once ruled alongside him.

 "It feels like our era is next," James recently reflected. "That's what it feels like. Me, [Dwyane] Wade, Carmelo Anthony, [Chris] Bosh. We're next. We're on deck. We're the next group behind those guys."

Dogged Determination 

It's all come to put James in a different mindset, one where he no longer takes anything for granted whenever he's on the hardwood. "Every time we come out here, we talk to you guys, step out on the floor, we're going to play this game, we love it, but we're on deck," he said.

But first things first, James recently inked a three-year extension with the Cavs and is as passionate about defending the title they earned last season as he's been about anything he can remember.

"For me, it's just about maximizing each season, going out and playing my game, leading this team and at the end of the season see what happens," he said to all the talk about how close he will come to amassing the six titles won by Michael Jordan. "Nothing is promised and we just have to earn our way once again for another season."

Chasing Jordan 

When it comes to Jordan, James now readily admits being universally viewed as on his level is something that's always driven him.

"It's a personal goal," he said. "I just never brought it up. It's my own personal goal to be able to be greater than great. I think that should be everybody's personal goal."

James now has half of Jordan's six rings and the way he and his Cavs rallied back from a 3-1 hole to dethrone the world champion Golden State Warriors last season leaves you to believe his thirst for more has never been greater.

All that talk about the end being near will just have to wait until another day.