LeBron James is entering his 23rd year in the NBA. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar recently opted into his $52.6 million player option.
James, 40, showed no signs of slowing down last season. In 70 regular-season games, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game. He shot 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from deep.
However, despite such high-level offensive production, James’ eventual retirement remains a discussion point amongst both fans and media alike. In a recent episode of “The Hoop Collective” podcast, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted how it would appear James is taking the retirement decision a year at a time.
“Based on my conversations, I honestly think they don’t know,” Windhorst said. “As far as I know, he’s honestly going year to year.”
James is still an elite player in the NBA. He is entering his first full season as the Lakers’ second option behind Luka Doncic. If he has another strong year, it’s hard to envision him walking away from the league. Nevertheless, James’ career is certainly in the final stages, and sooner or later, a decision to step away must be made.
Carmelo Anthony Jokingly Tells James to Retire
In a recent appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Anthony jokingly suggested that James should consider retirement after the upcoming season.
“He’s still going, it’s unbelievable, man,” Anthony said. “That’s my brother. We talk about being around, being together, being tied, being connected, being talked about since we were 17, 18 years old. And for me to be entering the Hall of Fame, and for him, hopefully, to get his ass up out of there and come on over this side (smiles). Enough is enough. Give it a break.”
James and Anthony both entered the NBA in 2003. They both played for the Lakers together during the 2021-22 season. Unfortunately for Anthony, he and James were unable to win a championship that season, meaning the former Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks superstar ended his career without a championship.
Paul Pierce Expects Lakers’ LeBron James to Retire
Former Boston Celtics champion Paul Pierce believes this could be James’s last year in the NBA.
“If I’m a betting man, I think this will be his last season,” Pierce said. “You know, I think he’s played 21, 22 years. He’s been the GOAT for so long. He’s maintained the stats. We appreciate what he brought to the game and how he’s held the mantle since (Michael) Jordan left. Bron is one of them ones. We appreciate him. But I think his time is up. But we appreciate what he’s done for the league.”
James has achieved everything there is to achieve in the NBA. He also reached his personal goal of sharing the court with his son, Bronny James, last season. However, the draw of contending for a fifth NBA championship is likely keeping James in the league. After all, another championship, especially this late in his career, would further enrich his legacy as an all-time great.
With Doncic on the Lakers, James has a strong chance of reaching that final goal. Whether that happens this season will remain to be seen.
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