LeBron James may want to wait to play with his son Bryce before retiring, according to a former Lakers player.
LeBron James, often regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has had a career that spans over two decades, defying age and the traditional limits of athletic performance. His longevity and consistent excellence on the court have led to frequent speculation about when the King might finally step away from the game. However, recent discussions surrounding LeBron’s retirement have taken a new turn, with some suggesting that he might consider playing longer if it means sharing the court with his son, Bryce James, in the NBA.
This idea of father and son playing together in the NBA is not a new one, as LeBron has been very vocal about his desire to one day play alongside his eldest son, Bronny James. But with the rising star status of his younger son Bryce, some believe that LeBron may be willing to extend his career even further than initially planned to make that dream a reality. Former Lakers player and NBA analyst comments have fueled the conversation, highlighting both the potential and the personal significance of such a scenario for LeBron James and his family. This development could not only impact LeBron’s career decisions but also shape the legacy of the James family within the NBA for years to come.
The Dream of Playing With His Son
LeBron James has made it clear for several years now that one of his ultimate goals in basketball is to share the NBA court with one of his sons. Over the years, the focus has primarily been on his older son, Bronny James, who was a highly touted high school prospect before suffering a cardiac arrest scare in the summer of 2023. Although this health scare temporarily raised concerns about his future in the sport, Bronny has since recovered and is back on track to potentially enter the NBA through the draft in the coming years. LeBron has consistently spoken about his dream of being able to play alongside Bronny, and that dream remains an incredibly motivating factor for his continued play at an elite level.
However, in recent months, as Bryce James continues to develop his own basketball skills and has begun to attract attention as a rising star, the possibility of LeBron playing alongside his younger son has started to make waves. While Bryce is still a few years behind Bronny in terms of his potential NBA draft eligibility, the idea of a father playing alongside both sons in the NBA has become a tantalizing thought for many basketball fans, analysts, and even former players.
This has led to discussions around whether LeBron might consider extending his career even further to ensure that he and Bryce could play together in the NBA. After all, LeBron has always maintained a strong sense of family and has said that he wants to be there for both of his sons’ careers, which could now include a situation where he shares the NBA stage with them. It has led some to believe that LeBron might hold off on retiring until that moment arrives.
LeBron’s Longevity and His Career Arc
LeBron James is already 40 years old and has played in the NBA for 20 seasons, a feat that most players never come close to achieving. Over the years, LeBron has redefined what it means to be an athlete in his 30s, and even into his 40s, continuing to dominate on the court with an intensity that belies his age. His ability to remain a top player in the league for so long is a testament to his commitment to fitness, recovery, and his innate basketball IQ. LeBron’s ability to stay relevant as he ages is one of the reasons why conversations around his retirement are so fluid.
In his late 30s, many expected LeBron to start slowing down, yet he has continued to perform at an elite level, even winning his fourth NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. LeBron has shown little sign of letting up, and his body has shown a remarkable ability to withstand the physical demands of the sport. However, like all athletes, there is a natural question of when the body will eventually slow down, and when the mind will recognize it’s time to step away from the game.
LeBron has repeatedly stated that he wants to play in the NBA until he is no longer able to compete at a high level. He has also said that playing with his son, Bronny, would be a dream come true for him, and it could potentially extend his career by a few more years, especially if Bronny becomes a top NBA prospect soon. However, with the recent rise of Bryce, the question of whether LeBron might delay his retirement in order to play alongside both of his sons has taken on new importance.
The Role of Bryce James in LeBron’s Decision
Bryce James, LeBron’s 17-year-old son, has been a growing presence in the basketball world, though he has flown under the radar somewhat compared to his older brother Bronny. Bryce is still in high school, and although his potential is clear, he has yet to receive the same level of attention and hype that Bronny received at a similar stage in his career. Nonetheless, Bryce has shown great promise as a basketball player and has been steadily improving his game, making a name for himself on the court.
LeBron has been very open about his pride in both of his sons, often posting about their performances and achievements. Bryce, in particular, has been receiving more and more attention for his development as a basketball player, and with his growth, the possibility of him entering the NBA in the near future is becoming more likely. While it is still unclear exactly when Bryce will be eligible to join the NBA, there is no doubt that his talent will continue to attract scouts and NBA teams in the coming years.
For LeBron, the prospect of playing with both of his sons, rather than just Bronny, adds an intriguing layer to his retirement decision. The idea of not only playing alongside Bronny but also playing alongside Bryce could be something that further fuels his desire to stay in the league. LeBron has often said that he would love to stay in the NBA as long as possible, and the thought of extending his career to the point where both of his sons are also in the NBA could be an irresistible proposition.
Former Lakers Player Weighs In
Former Lakers player, and current NBA analyst, has offered some insight into this potential scenario. He argued that LeBron James might indeed hold off on retirement if it means having the opportunity to share the court with his sons, particularly Bryce, whose development as a player could align with LeBron’s plans. The former player pointed out that LeBron has always been a family-oriented individual, and the idea of playing with his sons is something that could be a major motivating factor in his decision-making process.
This insight into LeBron’s mindset is not surprising given his history of being open about his goals for his family. For LeBron, basketball has always been about more than just individual success; it’s been about legacy, and his family has always been a part of that legacy. Therefore, the idea of retiring only after playing with both Bronny and Bryce is something that would carry great emotional significance for him, adding a personal and familial element to his decision that goes beyond traditional basketball milestones.
The Financial and Brand Impact
Another aspect to consider is the financial and brand impact that playing with his sons could have for LeBron James and the NBA. LeBron is a global brand, and his presence on the court has a far-reaching influence beyond basketball. If LeBron were able to play with both Bronny and Bryce, the spectacle of father and sons in the NBA would draw massive attention. It would undoubtedly be a marketing dream for the NBA and could create untold opportunities for LeBron’s post-basketball ventures.
The idea of having the James family trio in the NBA would undoubtedly create a unique narrative for the league and generate increased media attention, sponsorship deals, and fan engagement. In fact, the sheer buzz that would surround such a scenario could extend LeBron’s career in ways that go beyond traditional contract extensions or team rosters. LeBron’s brand and legacy would be further cemented as he would be able to showcase a truly family-oriented career arc, something that has never been done before in the NBA.
The possibility of LeBron James extending his career to play alongside his sons, particularly Bryce James, adds an interesting new layer to the conversation surrounding LeBron’s retirement. While the idea of LeBron playing with Bronny has been discussed for years, Bryce’s rise as a basketball prospect has now made the potential of playing with both sons an even more intriguing and compelling thought. With LeBron’s longevity, family values, and desire to push the boundaries of his career, it seems that the King may not be done just yet. Whether he plays with one or both of his sons, it is clear that the James family could have an even greater impact on the NBA in the years to come. And if LeBron’s desire to play alongside his sons becomes a reality, it would not only be a unique chapter in the history of the league but also a testament to his love for family and the game of basketball.