LeBron James is at a point in his career where rumors of his retirement continue to pop up every offseason.
This offseason was no different, especially after LeBron James picked up his $52.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, James denied those rumors and plans to make his season debut once he recovers from right sciatica.
But every time James decides to retire, former NBA player Jeff Teague wants to make it a special occasion.
James reportedly wants a Kobe Bryant-like farewell tour during the final season of his NBA career. After all, Kobe had a symbolic end to his 20-year career in the league.
Mamba also wrapped up the final game of his career with 60 points. Teague believes LBJ can do the same only if he misses the playoffs in his final NBA season.
“I think so. When Bron retires, I want him to have a Kobe moment. Bron, go for 70! It’s over. Bron just has a moment to be Bron,” Teague said on the podcast “The Club 520.”
He added, “Everyone’s here to watch the game. Just like everyone went to the Kobe game, the scene was crazy, bro.”
But even at age 40, James is still one of the best players in the league. If LBJ remains with the Lakers during his farewell season, the Lakers are unlikely to miss the playoffs.
why? Because they have Luka Doncic on the roster. Doncic is in the prime of his career, and it’s almost impossible for LA to miss the postseason with him.
Teague then explained what would happen if James were to say goodbye to the NBA during the postseason.
“If Bron is going to be in the playoffs, he’s going to try to win and play (good),” he continued.
With James’ competitive nature, he won’t be able to pitch a playoff game just to score 60 or 70 points. Another scenario is that LBJ retires after winning a ring, but Teague likes that idea.
But he reiterated his earlier assertions, saying, “I urge everyone to go see Bron’s last fight. Stars. Tickets cost $10,000. This is Bron’s last fight.”
Either way, the four-time NBA champion isn’t retiring. I won’t retire until at least next summer. It will be interesting to see if James signs an extension with the Lakers or joins another team as one of the last remaining players in the league.