NBA – When will LeBron James retire? Shams Charania sets the trend

Par Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Journaliste sportif

Still sixth in the MVP rankings this season, LeBron James will nevertheless celebrate his 40th birthday this December. But when will he end his illustrious career? The well-informed Shams Charania recently looked into the matter.

If we simply take his statistics into account, logic would dictate that he should be able to continue on NBA floors for several more years. After all, LeBron James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists this season. These averages enabled him to pick up a few votes in the MVP poll and finish sixth in the rankings.

All these impressive signs almost make you forget his age and longevity at the highest level. However, the King will celebrate his 40th birthday in a few months’ time and has just completed his 22nd campaign in the league. The specter of retirement inevitably hangs over his head, forcing Lakers fans to wonder about his future with the franchise.

Shams Charania teases LeBron’s impending retirement

A recent guest on The Pat McAfee Show, Shams Charania discussed the case of LeBron James, and first and foremost the contractual choice he’s about to make this summer:

Shams Charania: From what I’ve been told, the most likely scenario is that he activates his player option, which is worth around $54 or $57 million. It’s a massive player option and that’s the most plausible scenario. In any case, that’s the plan.

While he could decline this option and put an end to his career right now, the Angelino leader is likely to take the opposite decision. While this may annoy some of his franchise’s fans, it will certainly please his most loyal adepts. However, the latter would do well to prepare themselves for the inevitable in the coming months, according to Shams Charania, who continues:

Shams Charania: This will be his 23rd season in the NBA, wearing number 23… On top of that, the All-Star Weekend will be held in Los Angeles… All of which tells me that this would be the perfect exit for him. But he still has to make a decision about it.

Several symbolic factors could therefore encourage LBJ to hang up his sneakers at the end of next season.

This has yet to be confirmed, however, as other factors could influence this deal. Should they pull off a major off-season and win another title in 2026, the Lakers will have enough to convince their star to extend the pleasure a little longer. Even more so if they were to lure another member of the James family into their fold, as young Bryce would then be eligible for the draft.