After 22 seasons of redefining greatness in the National Basketball Association (NBA), LeBron James is beginning to acknowledge that his legendary career is nearing its end. Despite his superhuman longevity, highlighted by performances that many players half his age could only dream of, James recently addressed his future in the league, confirming that retirement is on the horizon.
“I know it won’t be much longer,” James told FOX Sports’ Melissa Rohlin, acknowledging that his days in the NBA are numbered. While the 39-year-old superstar hasn’t set a specific date for his retirement, his comments serve as a reminder that the Lakers will soon need to plan for life without the greatest player of his generation.
Transitioning to Anthony Davis as franchise player
While the thought of an NBA without LeBron James is difficult to fathom, his comments have only reinforced the belief that the Lakers have made the right call in transitioning the franchise’s leadership to Anthony Davis. At 31, Davis has spent the first part of his career establishing himself as one of the league’s most dominant players. His ability to dominate on both ends of the floor made it clear to the Lakers that he was the natural heir to the throne.
In the early stages of the 2024-25 season, Davis has stepped up as the Lakers’ focal point, averaging 30.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. These numbers underscore Davis' readiness to lead, while also allowing LeBron to pace himself throughout the regular season.
The Lakers have embraced a co-star dynamic between LeBron and Davis, rather than a traditional "Batman and Robin" setup. James has played fewer minutes and taken a more measured approach to his regular-season workload, focusing on preserving his energy for the postseason. This approach has allowed Davis to become the team’s go-to player, carrying the heavy lifting during the regular season while James conserves his strength for the playoffs.
A selfless transition
James’ comments about retirement highlight a selfless approach to his eventual exit from the game. Rather than holding onto his spot in the lineup simply because of his name, James understands that the Lakers’ future needs to be built around Davis. It’s a decision driven by a commitment to the team’s success rather than personal pride.
This self-awareness is rare in professional sports, where many stars cling to their roles long after they’ve outlived their prime. But James, who has always been focused on the bigger picture, seems determined to ensure that the Lakers' transition is smooth and that another deserving player can take centre stage when the time comes.
The future looks bright for the Lakers
With LeBron’s retirement looming, the Lakers are in a good position to thrive beyond his playing days. Davis is poised to take over as the franchise’s new leader, with the Lakers’ current strategy balancing his growth with LeBron’s final years. If Davis can maintain his level of play and stay healthy, the Lakers are set up for continued success as they prepare for the post-LeBron era.
For now, the hope is that James can continue to play at a high level for as long as possible, but it’s clear the Lakers’ future is in good hands with Anthony Davis at the helm.
