LeBron James broke his silence on several long-standing topics on The Pat McAfee Show. On ESPN’s Get Up, the crew members discussed James’ no-filter podcast appearance, giving their takes on The King’s revelations. The focus, understandably, was on LeBron lambasting Stephen A. Smith.
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Monica McNutt and the crew lasered in on something else, too. The idea of James’ retirement has been floated around for multiple seasons now. And since he has now addressed the topic directly, the inevitable end of his career has quickly become a trending topic once again.
Tim McMahon doesn’t believe LeBron has shut down any doubts about his longevity the way he is playing at the moment. With LA’s status as contenders, he will not contemplate retirement for some more years, said the veteran sportswriter. This sentiment prompted an intriguing question from Matt Barrie: “Over/under four and a half more years for LeBron, what would you take?”
While it seems incredibly improbable that LeBron can handle another five seasons at the game’s highest level, McNutt picked him to stick around, and provided her reasons as well. A familial reason involving Bryce James.
“[LeBron’s] son, Bryce, is going to [attend] Arizona. And I know he poo-pooed this even in that interview, that he wasn’t necessarily waiting for Bryce,” McNutt said. “But if he’s got a shot, between the opportunity to win as Tim just pointed out and continues to make more history and do it with his family… I don’t see why he can’t go five more.”
LeBron already made history this year by becoming the first player in NBA history to play in the same game as his son, sharing the hardwood with Bronny, who was drafted to the Lakers last summer. That moment was unlikely in itself at the time, but if James is somehow able to play until Bryce enters the league, he may accomplish something no other athlete will again.
At just 17 years old, Bryce undoubtedly has at least a couple more years before he can seriously consider the NBA Draft. Bronny left college after just one year at USC, but Bryce could take a different path at Arizona. Standing at 6-foot-6, Bryce has the potential to be a more impactful player than his brother at the next level.
Even if LeBron hangs it up before Bryce hears his name called at the NBA Draft, it will be a memorable moment for the four-time MVP. No one else has played with their son in the league, but not many fathers can say they have two sons who made the NBA either.
