LeBron James’ retirement from the NBA is already one of the biggest storylines in sports.
The 41-year-old has not yet announced his decision, but there is already plenty of speculation.
Some expect James to hang up his sneakers at the end of this season, while others believe he will play one or two more years.
Either way, it is bound to be a remarkable occasion when arguably the greatest basketball player of all time quits the game.
NBA All-Stars Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama have shared very different answers to how they will react when it happens.
Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama answer LeBron James retirement question
Ahead of the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Edwards and Wembanyama were asked whether they would cry when LeBron retires.
“Am I going to shed a tear? I might cry a little bit,” Edwards responded, suggesting that it will be a surreal moment.
Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts in the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on January 28, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images
On the other hand, Wemby admitted that James’ departure would not bring him to tears.
“No,” he said. “You asked me to be honest. I’m not going to shed a tear, but it is going to be very weird, for sure.”
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However, the San Antonio Spurs star was not being disrespectful to James; he was merely admitting that it would not bother him as much.
LeBron James has several options besides retirement
LeBron James’ contract with the Los Angeles Lakers will expire once the 2026 NBA Playoffs are over.
The Lakers are not expected to go deep into the postseason, with an awkward roster around James and Luka Doncic.
The 41-year-old could then decide that he has had enough, but it seems more likely that he will switch teams.
A fairytale ending to James’ career could be a third spell with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he was drafted in 2003.
Alternatively, he would join forces with Stephen Curry in Golden State or make a remarkable move to the New York Knicks.
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