Even the most ardent Michael Jordan supporter will readily admit that LeBron James' longevity in the NBA is unmatched. Not only has he logged more minutes, points, and seasons than anyone else, but he has remained a top player into his 40s.
For a lot of fans, that's enough to make him the greatest of all time.
However, even James can see the light at the end of the tunnel. During a live episode of his podcast, The Shop, James joked that Victor Wembanyama will be the one to push him into retirement.
"I can't play that much further," admitted James, although his acknowledgment that the end is coming is not new. "The more and more time that I play, as long as he keeps smacking my f------ shots into the stands, it's going to make me retire."
Wembanyama has led the NBA in blocked shots (both per game and totals) over the last two seasons. He has blocked James twice and nearly beat him in the gold medal game at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
While James has been coy about an exact retirement date, Wembanyama has a reasonable prediction about when The King will hang them up.
"I think he's definitely got more in him," said Wembanyama. "My bet would be two more seasons."
In his 22nd season, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists for the Los Angeles Lakers while making his 21st All-Star Game in a row, a record that will likely never be broken, although Wembanyama has a chance if he can remain healthy.
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