LeBron James has spent 22 seasons pacing the NBA through constant evolution. Between the player empowerment era, the three-point revolution, the Big Three movement, and the passing of the torch from Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan to James himself, it's been a remarkable time in Association history.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end—and not even the superhuman longevity that James redefines the standard for will act as an exception.
Fresh off of turning back the clocks with a performance that most players could only dream of producing at 29, let alone 39, James was faced with the question of retirement. He spoke openly about the subject, explaining the mentality that will define his decision.
According to Melissa Rohlin of FOX Sports, James hasn't decided on exactly when he'll retire, but he knows it won't be much longer until he does.
I asked LeBron, after having three triple-doubles in three straight games just shy of turning 40, how long he could do this if he wanted:
— Melissa Rohlin (@melissarohlin) November 14, 2024
"I’m not going to play that much longer, to be completely honest. I don’t know how many years that is, if it’s one year, if it’s two years,…
It's hard to imagine the NBA without James in it, but his comments have reaffirmed the belief that the Lakers made the right decision by initiating the transition to Anthony Davis as the franchise player.
LeBron James' pending retirement passes torch to Anthony Davis
James' comments were refreshing to hear, primarily due to how he refuses to allow himself to become the player who deprives another deserving athlete of a roster spot just because of his name value. It's a selfless approach to a life-altering decision.
As it pertains to the Lakers, however, James' pending retirement all but confirms that JJ Redick was right to make one of his first tasks transitioning to Davis as the new focal point.
Davis, 31, has spent his career dominating opponents on both ends of the floor. As such, deciding that he would operate as the team's go-to player was hardly controversial—due in no small part to the fact that Davis spent the first seven years of his career in that position.
Even in Los Angeles, Davis and James have operated as co-stars rather than having a Batman and Robin dynamic.
For as true as that may be, the Lakers are embracing the need to prepare for life beyond James. Davis has responded exceptionally well, averaging 30.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game and carrying the burden of closing out wins.
That's enabled James to pick his spots and pace himself through the early stages of the regular season rather than having to carry a massive burden each time out.
For a team that's talented enough to compete at the highest level, it's a logical approach. It not only enables the Lakers to prepare for the future, but it preserves James' energy and could permit him to have more in the tank come the postseason.
The hope is that James will continue playing for many years to come, but his comments about retirement prove the Lakers have made the right decision about how to structure their strategy in 2024-25.