Despite LeBron James plans for ‘abrupt retirement’, NBA insider claims final season will be ‘must-see-TV’

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has garnered attention lately going into the new 2024-25 NBA season amidst retirement plans.

LeBron James

The 2024-25 NBA season is on the horizon, and one important question arises for the Los Angeles Lakers fans. Will this be the last season of their legend LeBron James in the NBA? Notably, James has stated earlier that he would do a “Tim Duncan” regarding his retirement, not making a big deal out of it and disappearing into the abyss.

The final season in the NBA has a special feel if the player announces in advance his decision to retire. As a result, it will become a must-see spectacle and the away fans will honor the player. NBA insider Dave McMenamin shared some important insight regarding the Lakers legend’s retirement. He reaffirmed that this season won’t be his last.

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. Dave McMenamin via ESPN’s NBA Today

Dave McMenamin via ESPN’s NBA Today

Only LeBron James knows the real timeline of his retirement. From what McMenamin reported, it doesn’t appear that the four-time champion will retire in the upcoming season. As such, James will likely play more than one season with his son, Bronny James. It will further give the Lakers more time to win a second championship with ‘King James.’

“When it’s the final march for LeBron … we’re all gonna know.”@mcten on how LeBron will approach the end of his NBA career 👀 pic.twitter.com/cpgW6obDQO

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 13, 2024

James has been open and truthful about his impending retirement after 21 years in the NBA. ‘King James’ may not play for more than two years at this point. Also, he has negotiated short-term contracts to preserve his contractual freedom, even though he has not disclosed any particular plans to quit it. Hence, it remains to be seen how this situation develops in the coming months/years.

Another NBA insider Shams Charania reveals LeBron James’ ‘retirement plans’

LeBron James is the only one who is aware of his retirement plans. So when his most recent career timeline was eventually made public, nobody was surprised. NBA insider Shams Charania reported that James is expected to play one or two more seasons.

Charania spoke with Pat McAfee on his popular ESPN show. McAfee and Charania spoke about how much longer one can expect James to play in the NBA. The NBA insider revealed people in the league expect him to play beyond the 2023/24 NBA season.

Most people I talk to in the league around LeBron James, one or two more years is the expectation. But it’s obvious. Based on his comments, he’s at the end of the road. For players of LeBron James’ stature, it’s hard to come to grips with the realities of retirement.

Shams Charania via The Pat McAfee Show

“One or two more years is the expectation for LeBron James..

Clearly he still loves the game and he still wants to win another ring” ~ @ShamsCharania#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/rvwOwP1MPJ

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 2, 2024

For some time now, James has made vague references to his retirement plans. He hinted at not coming back after the Lakers were swept in May of last year. However, he returned a few days later. Additionally, the Lakers superstar has openly discussed “the end” of his career on several occasions in the recent past. It remains to be seen when ‘The King’ plans to call it quits on an illustrious career.