At 39 years old, we all know that the end is drawing near for LeBron James’ NBA career. But in a recent statement on ESPN, Lakers insider Dave McMenamin confirmed that this season will not be LeBron’s last and that his final campaign, whenever it comes, will be celebrated with a full retirement tour.
“LeBron signed an extension his summer where he only has one year guaranteed,” said McMenamin on NBA Today. “But I wouldn’t start looking like the clock is starting to clock down on his career where he would walk away from the Lakers and retire because they struggled throughout the season. He’s going to be in his own timeline and I think when it’s the final march for LeBron… we’re all gonna know and it’s gonna be must-see TV. It’s gonna be the LeBron tour coming to town throughout the 28 NBA cities culminating in a spectacular farewell.”
NBA retirement tours are not entirely new, but Kobe Bryant was the first one to raise the tradition to another level. After announcing the 2015-16 campaign would be his last, the entire NBA community came together to celebrate and commemorate his basketball career.
He was given a moment of honor for nearly every away game, swapped jerseys with various players, and was at the center of attention all season for the Purple and Gold. In his final game that season, the Lakers even came out with a special court for the occasion and frequently fed him the ball so he could make history with a 60-point explosion against the Jazz for his last performance in the NBA.
LeBron is at the age now where he must think about retirement and as one of the greatest NBA players ever, the fans will want him to announce his finale ahead of time so he can get a Kobe-style sendoff. LeBron is open to that as well but it’s anyone’s guess how far off that moment actually is.
After 21 years in the NBA, James has been open and honest about his approaching retirement date. While the King has not revealed any specific career-ending plans, he’s been vocal about nearing the end and he’s been signing short-term deals to maintain his contractual flexibility. This past summer, for example, James signed a two-year, $104 million extension.
Next season will likely be all about Bronny for the Lakers and after waiting two decades to play with his son, LeBron isn’t about to quit now. When he takes the court in this upcoming campaign, he’ll be looking to mentor Bronny and help develop his game to the maximum potential. If he sticks around long enough for Bryce to enter the league, it’ll likely be the same process with him.
Sooner than later, however, LeBron will be calling it quits and it will not be done quietly. As a 4x champion, 4x MVP, and 20x All-Star, James will get the ultimate send-off and every team in the league will want to honor him in their own way when he comes to their city for the final time.
After all that James has done, it would be unfitting for him to leave without a proper celebration, and the Lakers will surely go all-out to ensure he gets the credit he deserves.
