LeBron James has played 22 seasons in the NBA, so perhaps he only has one or two more years left in the tank.
James has many other interests besides basketball, from the entertainment business Spring Hill Company to investments in Liverpool FC and Blaze Pizza.
However, his love for the game runs so deeply that it is difficult to imagine him not in any capacity involved in the NBA when he retires.
There have been talks about the 40-year-old becoming the owner of the franchise, but others believe he will become a great head coach.
Boston Celtics legend and former LeBron rival Paul Pierce shared his thoughts on whether James could succeed in the role.
James actually says he has no interest in coaching at the NBA level when he wore his sneakers a few years later.
Still, that hasn’t stopped former players and critics from discussing how well he will transition after play days.
And while many assume he’s good because of his incredible basketball IQ, Pierce doesn’t know if that will work or not.
“It’s difficult for a good player in his caliber to be a good coach. I saw this with Magic Johnson,” Pierce explained.
“Those like LeBron and Magic (Johnson) are to expect (players) to have the same drive, attitude, and work ethic as a coach. So if you don’t see those things, your patience will be thin.
“It’s difficult in that respect and it’s stressful. When I coach these little AAU kids and say things to them, I’m like, ‘What do you know, you never care.’ Not to mention some pros.
“If he wants to, can he do that? Is he a great coach?
LeBron may not be interested in becoming an NBA head coach, but there are always a few players who fantasize about challenges for every generation.
Pierce believes that former La Laker and Boston Celtic Rajon Rondo can have a successful career on the sidelines as well as James’ best friend Chris Paul.
“When you see that, the NBA point guards will mostly be coaches,” Pierce suggested.
“Some people will be able to see him become a coach one day. Chris Paul, you could see him being a coach. And now you have guys from the past like Jason Kidd, Document Rivers and Nate McMillan.
“It’s usually a point guard, not a superstar like LeBron. They don’t draw a level of play from the players.”