LeBron James’ next step could be into the television booth.
The NBA legend is starting his 22nd season and has two more seasons left on his current contract. However, he is definitely nearing the end of his career and will soon have to decide what he will do after he officially retires.
During an appearance on the Golic and Gojo podcast, James discussed a possible transition to broadcasting after his career, saying that it may be an interesting possibility, but that “we will have to see” if it is in his future.
“You know, I don’t know — I definitely love the sport,” James told reporters. “I adore basketball and football. And I watch it not only as a fan, but also to analyze pairings and things like that. I was introduced to sports.
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When you grow up in Northeast Ohio, you become involved with sports. It would be excellent. I envision Tom Brady doing that. He’s been excellent thus far. And we’ll see.
Even if it’s only a guest appearance. I’ll play one or two games after I’m done.”
He also acknowledged his love for “sport” and giving back to it, implying that he may be interested in football as well.
“But it’s always fun to give back to the game,” he continued. “The game has given me a lot. So, whether it’s basketball, football, or anything, I adore the word sport. Because it has given so much to me and my family, it is only fitting that I give back to it.”
The Brady parallel is intriguing because he was the face of the NFL for more than two decades and has recently began a full broadcasting career that keeps him completely immersed in the NFL season.
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In response to the preceding question, he stated that LeBron James “is gonna be on his own timeline.”
“I believe we’ll all know when it’s LeBron’s final march, rather than his last dance. We’ll all know, and it’ll be must-see television.
The LeBron tour will visit 28 NBA locations, ending in a magnificent farewell,” the Lakers insider said.
While many fans hope that James still has plenty of gas in the tank because he’s “the only reason” many people follow the NBA, it’s unclear whether the Lakers will hit it out of the park before he says his final goodbye to the court.
James does not appear to be particularly interested in that hands-on role, but he could potentially fill one akin to the Manning brothers or former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who tend to have a more relaxed schedule.
He does have media experience, as seen by his podcast with his current head coach, J.J. Redick.
He also has some more goals to achieve on the court and is interested with sports ownership, so that may be the road he takes instead.
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During an appearance on the Golic and Gojo podcast, James discussed a possible transition to broadcasting after his career, saying that it may be an interesting possibility, but that “we will have to see” if it is in his future.
“You know, I don’t know — I definitely love the sport,” James told reporters.
When asked if the Lakers’ “rough start” in the upcoming season would result in James leaving early, the insider pushed back.
“I wouldn’t start looking at it like this is gonna be – the clock is starting to tick down on his career, where he would walk away from the Lakers and retire because they struggled throughout the season,” says McMenamin.
What would LeBron James say about his retirement date?
In July, it was revealed that the NBA legend had re-signed a two-year contract with the Lakers. Around that time, speculation about his retirement plans was already circulating.
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In a post, he directly addressed a number of reports.
“I’ve seen and heard many reports regarding my future. I mentioned that last night, and I’ll say it again.
I don’t know yet because I’m just thinking about spending time with my family and friends! You will be informed once I have spoken with the family, my attorney, and my representative about it.
James stated. “Everyone expects me to play 10 more years for some odd reason.”
The 2024 NBA Playoffs were a particularly bleak low point for the team, as the Lakers were eliminated in the first round.
James was awarded the MVP of the men’s basketball tournament at the Paris Olympics after leading Team USA’s “Avengers” to a gold medal.
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In a perfect finish, he’d also make it to the top before the end of his NBA career, but we’ll see when that happens.