Charles Barkley Tells LeBron James to “Put Ego Aside and Retire”
Charles Barkley and LeBron James (Image Source: Getty Images)
LeBron James just finished his 21st NBA season, and as things stand, he will be returning for his 22nd. Despite being the oldest player in the league, LeBron, 39, is still going strong for LA Lakers.
But a former NBA player thinks it’s enough already for the NBA’s all-time scorer. Charles Barkley is the man ringing the sentiment that LeBron James should retire. Speaking on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay Podcast, the former Sixers forward said, “I hope he [LeBron] retires soon because I hated the way I retired because I sucked.”
He said, “Your ego says you can still do it because I remember telling myself the last two years, ‘Ok, I am going to get myself in great shape this summer. I am going to have a good year and then I am going to retire’. Then I figured out like playing against air, everybody is good against air, everybody is great against air. But when you see another 25-year-old, who is looking at you like, licking his lips, you’re like oh! shit. And like there is nothing you can do.”
He also gave examples of how he retired from the Rockets and how LeBron’s GOAT debate rival, Michael Jordan, retired with the Wizards. While Barkley’s concerns may seem reasonable, LBJ’s performance does not have that glint of aging. With 25.7 points per game, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, he outnumbered a lot of the young guns in the NBA.
While his return next season is inevitable, barring any calamity in the 2024 Paris Olympics, there’s a massive question over whether it will be with the Lakers.
LeBron James’ Future With Lakers Remains Doubtful
After the playoff elimination to the Nuggets, the obvious question was about the 20-time NBA All-Star’s future in Los Angeles. Rumours were popping up left and right, and LeBron James himself cleared up the situation with a post on social media.
With the Olympics approaching, LeBron’s focus remains on recovery and family. Bronny James’ impending NBA Draft could also navigate LeBron’s career course, with the all-time top scorer in the league having a dream of playing with his son.
LeBron can become a free agent in the summer if he declines to take the $51 million player option in his contract. According to multiple reports, the Lakers are ready to draft Bronny to keep LeBron around. For now, the only way to have a clearer picture of his future is to wait till after summer.
With the Olympics approaching, LeBron’s focus remains on recovery and family. Bronny James’ impending NBA Draft could also navigate LeBron’s career course, with the all-time top scorer in the league having a dream of playing with his son.
