SUMMARY
- LeBron James avoided answering questions on his future with the Lakers after losing to the Nuggets in the first round.
- Rich Paul believes James has enough strength to play for five more seasons, but will most likely hang it up earlier before of his family.
It has been hard to watch some of the league’s best players barely get a chance to showcase their talents in the post-season this year. Especially LeBron James, who recently faced a trialing upset against the Denver Nuggets in the first round. Since last year, the LA Lakers went on a 0-11 run against Denver until they copped a Game 4 win in this series. Fans are probably satisfied that the series didn’t end in a clean sweep.
LeBron James failed to answer the question of his retirement pic.twitter.com/qVoBeyaMWb
— Ramesh Saxena (@Docktus_) April 30, 2024
However, after the series concluded, James was directly asked if this was his last year with the Lakers. He responded, “I’m not going to answer that.” If thought this question was specifically about the Lakers, his response also fuelled concerns over his retirement. The 4x NBA Champion currently has the choice to opt out of his final year and enter free agency. But fans worry that this might have been his final run in the NBA as well.
LeBron James may hang it up soon because of his family
LeBron James’ agent and close friend, Rich Paul recently made an appearance on “All the Smoke” featuring Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. Barnes asked Paul if he knew how many years James has left in the tank. He said, “I think body-wise, five [years]. Mind-wise, understanding how to play the game mind-wise, forever.” James often gets praised for his longevity as not a lot of players play beyond 20 years.
Paul added, “Mind-wise that pertains to frustration, or just like, ‘Man, I’ve had enough missing time with the family,’ [or] with his wife. They [James’ family] have been unbelievable, they’ve been an unbelievable support system. At some point, it’s got to be about them. And I think from that perspective, maybe two or three.” Considering Paul’s take is true, James would be around until 2028, giving Bronny James enough time in college as well.
Rich Paul believes veterans like LeBron James deserve more appreciation
Paul also weighed in on appreciating the talent and memories athletes like LeBron James and Kevin Durant or even Steph Curry bring along with them. He said, “I think I’ve stated my opinion and we all got our opinions. I think every era is going to have their opinion… but I think that just appreciating the guys, appreciating LeBron, appreciating Kevin Durant, appreciating Steph Curry [matters].”
All three individuals Paul mentioned in his take once dominated the NBA Playoffs during the 2010s. Curry won three titles, two alongside Durant. James won three titles as well, one against Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Neither of these individuals has depreciated in terms of productivity. However, they’ve been responsible for single-handedly carrying the name of the NBA over the years.