LeBron James isn’t at the finish line just yet. He might not be the NBA’s best player anymore, but he’s still highly productive, efficient, and valuable to the Los Angeles Lakers. But he’s 21 seasons (and counting) into his legendary NBA career. It’d be more than fair to start considering his retirement plan … whenever that fateful day finally comes.
During his All-Star Weekend media availability, James admitted that he’s begun pondering how he’ll approach his future exit from the league. He explained that he doesn’t know if he’ll want the full-blown farewell tour or the “Tim Duncan” — a.k.a. retiring quietly and riding off into the sunset with no additional frills.
Hmm, I’m not sure I buy that. He probably knows exactly what he wants:
Lakers’ LeBron James: “I don’t know how many seasons I have left. I know it’s not that many. … I was asked this question a couple days ago: ‘Will you take the farewell tour or just Tim Duncan it?’ I’m 50/50.” pic.twitter.com/G6olIePlnG
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) February 18, 2024
When all is said and done, James will be remembered as one of the 2-3 best basketball players ever to walk the planet. Full stop. He’s been playing in the NBA for over a generation and has essentially been a basketball icon since he was in high school. This is also the same man who once had an entire elaborate primetime production prepared over one of his free agency decisions and who still uses his media tools to seemingly send subtle messages to teammates and executive leaders.
Plus, no one defines basketball in the 21st century, of any league, professional or amateur, quite like James. No one is likely nearly as celebrated, either.
Put another way: James plays it coy now, but I would be floored if he didn’t opt for the farewell tour to get his flowers in every single unique NBA arena for six-plus months. Nothing, and I mean nothing, about his career to this point suggests that James would deny himself the glorious opportunity to walk on 30 separate red carpets into a well-deserved retirement.
