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Los Angeles Lakers: Why This NBA Legend Hopes LeBron James Retires ‘Soon’

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated 5/8/24

After more than two decades in the NBA, LeBron James has established himself as one of the best to every play the game. But for Charles Barkley, though, the Los Angeles Lakers star must retire soon before his body gives up on him.

James first entered the league as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ number one pick in the 2003 Draft , a class which also boasted Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade. He would go on to play seven seasons for his hometown with a Finals appearance in 2007 as the high point of his stint there.

Ultimately, James would join Bosh and Wade with the Miami Heat and play four years there. After two rings, the Kid from Akron returned to Cleveland, fulfilled his promise to bringing a championship there, and made the franchise relevant again. In the summer of 2018, the All-Star forward signed with the Lakers as a free agent and has been there ever since.

During his time wearing the Purple and Gold, James won his fourth and final ring in 2020. At the same time, he also became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer while playing for Los Angeles. However, his recent playoff runs have been marred with disappointment after getting eliminated by Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets for two straight years.

NBA Legend Charles Barkley Says Los Angeles Lakers Star LeBron James Should Retire Soon

Over the years, James has talked about hanging his shoes up and calling it a day. Just recently, NBA analyst Charles Barkley said it’s time to do so an interview with Shaedon Sharpe and shared on X by Vito Corleonie:

“I hope he retires soon because I hated the way I retired… Your ego says you can still do it… I don’t want to see any great players play when they’re past their prime,” Barkley said.

bicsisibsc pic.twitter.com/pWDiRjnvrE

— Vito Corleonie (@VCorleonie) May 6, 2024

In the past, James has stated that he plans to play one year with his son Bronny and retire shortly after. The younger James is eligible for the upcoming draft, which makes the King’s retirement possible.

Whether he does play one more year or retires sooner than that, it’s clear James still has a lot of gas left in the tank. Hopefully, he can still play at a high level before leaving the NBA.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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