The end of LeBron James’ illustrious career seems to be coming to an end. He is still a great player, making the All-NBA Second Team last season, but after 22 seasons, his time is coming.
On October 6th, James teased his second “Decision,” prompting fans to speculate about his impending retirement, should he announce that this season is his last one.
If James decides this is his last season, there are plenty of arguments to be made. Will he chase a title with the Los Angeles Lakers? Will he want a homecoming to the Cleveland Cavaliers? Has he passed Michael Jordan?
Carmelo Anthony doesn’t have all of those answers, but he knows how he wants to see LeBron go out.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 05: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his three pointer with LeBron James #6 during a 124-116 Lakers win over the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on March 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Anthony Urges LeBron James to Retire With Lakers
Anthony entered the NBA in 2003 as the third overall pick, selected two spots after James went first overall. He spent 12 seasons as one of the best scorers in the NBA, and retired after 19 seasons on six different teams.
His last season was spent alongside James on the Lakers in 2021-22, although Los Angeles fell short of winning a title. However, the Lakers are almost always competitive, and Anthony wants to see James go out on top.
“I don’t know (what he will do), but he should end his years with the Lakers,” Anthony told PokerScout’s DJ Siddiqi on October 6th. “You’re talking about somebody who wants to win championships, and he wants to be put into the right position to win it. It’s a lot of talk around him, surrounding him and surrounding the Lakers, like it is every single year. He’s just going to go out there and play.”
James is still elite, but Luka Doncic has taken over as the face of the Lakers’ franchise. Still, Anthony thinks James should end his career chasing one last ring with the Purple and Gold.
GettyHOLLYWOOD – JULY 16: Basketball stars Carmelo Anthony and Lebron James during the 2003 ESPY Awards at the Kodak Theatre July 16, 2003 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
LeBron James Could Go Out on Top
Shaquille O’Neal hung on too long. So did Kobe Bryant. Michael Jordan retired at the top of his game twice before finally calling it quits after playing for the Washington Wizards.
Usually, a first or second option dwindles into a shell of himself. James is certainly past his prime, although he is still a top-12 player in the world. If he slots in as an elite second fiddle next to Doncic, it’s easy to imagine the Lakers winning their 18th title this season.
The only other superstar player to retire as a champion was David Robinson, who called it quits after the 2003 season. By then, however, it was clear that he was not the player that he used to be.
Anthony seems to think that the Lakers give James the best chance to end his career as a champion, and he is likely right. While fans can pine for a return to Cleveland, the best way for James to end his career would be holding a fifth Larry O’Brien Trophy.
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