LeBron James has faced accusations of being a diva and an attention-seeker in the past. It’s only fitting that his potential final NBA season, likely in 2025-26, may further validate those claims.
For those who missed it, the Lakers star strongly hinted that he will retire at the end of next season with a new advertisement over the weekend. In the video, James is asked if the “retirement rumors are true,” but blacks out just as he prepares to answer. He reposted the video with the caption, “I’ve been asking myself the same question.”
By making fans and the media play the guessing game, James is once again proving that he loves the attention, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. As one of the three greatest players in NBA history, he has earned the right to receive a grand farewell. He deserves it.
That said, just for once, it would be nice if the self-proclaimed “King” would admit that he basks in the spotlight. In the past, he has made comments trying to portray himself as a humble individual who doesn’t feel comfortable accepting praise from others.
At the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, for example, James was asked whether he would prefer a Kobe Bryant-type farewell tour or to depart quietly like Tim Duncan. In response, James said he’s “50-50” as a part of him would love to be celebrated in 30 different cities, but another part of him would feel uncomfortable receiving the attention.
“I’ve never been that great with accepting like praise,” James said. “It’s a weird feeling for me.”
[Insert laughing emoji]
Mind you, this is the same individual who said “I want my damn respect” after winning the 2020 NBA title, and anointed himself “the greatest of all time” on several occasions in the past.
James has always enjoyed stroking his ego and basking in widespread praise. And again, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. It just seems disingenuous when he pretends otherwise.
If James, who dons the number 23, does call it quits, he’d do so after a record-breaking 23 NBA seasons. The 2026 All-Star Game will be held in Los Angeles. If you’re the NBA, you couldn’t write a better script.