The Athletic reported on Friday that LA Lakers superstar LeBron James doesn’t want a retirement tour. NBA insiders Dan Woike and Sam Amick wrote that walking away from the game after the 2025-26 NBA season is “a real possibility” for the four-time MVP.
One fan reacted to the news:
“LeBron ‘no retirement tour’ is the biggest cap since ‘The Decision.’ Bro’s ego booking arenas already.”
Another fan added:
“Bro baits every year for attention. You know damn well his ego would love a retirement tour.”
One more fan continued:
“Retire at the end of the season, and you can guarantee you won’t have a tour.”
Another fan commented:
“Not one person believes one word of that.”
One fan tweeted:
“I call bulls**t. … No way he doesn’t make the entire NBA kiss his a**.”
The 41-year-old superstar, playing in his 23rd season, has built a career that some consider the greatest in NBA history. James has repeatedly stated in the past that playing with Bronny James was his last major goal. The league’s all-time scoring leader is already in his second season playing with his oldest son.
Early this month, James said during an interview with “Bob Does Sports” that waking up has become such a chore for him. He called his status “doubtful” every time he began his day as an NBA player. While he was half-joking, James said in September 2025 on the “360 With Speedy Podcast” that “retirement is coming.”
If LeBron James retires, he reportedly doesn’t want a farewell tour in the same manner as some of the greats such as Dr. J, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. If The Athletic’s report is spot on, James could do a Tim Duncan, whose retirement was announced by coach Gregg Popovich after the 2015-16 season ended.
Most fans, though, aren’t convinced James would walk away from the game without getting a well-deserved farewell tour.
Stage Is Set for Potential Final Showcase of LeBron James’ Greatness
LeBron James reminded fans throughout the season that he still has some gas left in the tank. If he decides to retire after the playoffs, the stage is set for him to showcase his greatness for potentially the last time.
The No. 4 LA Lakers will start the playoffs without Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique). Without two of their best scorers and playmakers, the Lakers will try to advance past the No. 5 Houston Rockets, who will have stars Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun leading them.
Lakers coach JJ Redick said last week that teams can’t wait to face the hobbled Lakers. LeBron James could prove that such eagerness was a folly if he could carry the team to an upset series win.
James is already an icon, but the aging star can add more to his legacy if he delivers another all-time great show in arguably his toughest playoff matchup.
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