Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James expressed uncertainty about his NBA retirement plans during a conversation with Showtime’s Rachel Nichols on Sunday.
James says he’s “50-50,” whether to announce his retirement in advance and embark on a farewell tour, akin to the manner Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant did or to retire quietly at the season’s end, mirroring the approach of San Antonio Spurs legend Tim Duncan.
As the NBA’s top scorer, James, at 39, continues to display top-tier performance levels, evident from his selection for the 2024 NBA All-Star game—his 20th career All-Star nomination, setting a record for the most selections in NBA history.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
In the 2023-24 season, across 49 games, James has maintained impressive averages of 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists, shooting 52.0% from the field and 39.5% from 3-point range.
While the specific timeline for his departure from basketball remains open, James is exploring how he wishes to conclude his career. Bryant’s farewell was marked by tributes and gifts at various arenas, culminating in a memorable 60-point performance in his final game, securing a victory for the Lakers against the Utah Jazz.
On the other hand, Tim Duncan chose a quieter exit, adopting a reduced role in his final season, averaging 8.6 points per game before retiring a few months following the Spurs’ exit from the Western Conference Semifinals in the 2015-16 season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Regardless of the path James selects for his retirement, his monumental contribution to the game ensures his legacy will continue to resonate within the NBA for years.
