“I can see LeBron James’s exit strategy”: Skip Bayless speculates Lakers superstar will retire when contract extension ends in 2023

Skip Bayless says that he can see LeBron James’s exit strategy and believes he will retire following the 2022-23 NBA season.

LeBron James recently made headlines, as he announced he will be signing a supermax contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers.

James was set to become a free agent following the 2020-21 season but now, this new extension runs through the 2022-23 NBA season. He is essentially committed to the Lakers for the foreseeable future.

Earlier today, running mate Anthony Davis also signed a whopping 5 year/$190 million contract. With these 2 moves, the Lakers have locked down their ability to contend for a title for the next 3-5 years.

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LeBron James’s contract extension, did however intrigue none other than Skip Bayless. Skip took to Undisputed to talk about this at length with Shannon Sharpe.

Skip Bayless believes LeBron James will retire in 3 or so years.

For once, Skip Bayless didn’t show up guns blazing to berate LeBron James with backhanded compliments and insults.

When discussing LeBron James’s contract extension, Skip said, “LeBron opted for security. Going into next season, he could have been a free agent. He is on pace to become the all time leading scorer in the last year of his deal.”

He continued on by saying, “What would the NBA world look like without LeBron James? He is the most interesting man in the world and news seems to swirl around him constantly.”

I was shocked by this announcement. All of a sudden I see LeBron’s exit strategy. He opted for security, 3 years of high-paid security. More @Undisputed, now on FS1 https://t.co/AdddcyAEK1

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) December 3, 2020

Skip reiterated the fact that LeBron opted for financial security over the ability to choose where he goes next. He was also shocked that this contract extension even took place.

Will LeBron James retire in 3 years?

This is almost impossible to predict as LeBron has repeatedly proven that age is not going to slow him down. He really could be just as good as he is now, 3 years down the line.

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Another factor of motivation for the 4x MVP would perhaps be to play alongside his son. If the one-and-done rule is annulled by the start of the 2023-24 NBA season, Bronny could hit NBA hardwoods straight out of high school.

LeBron James’s contract expires in the same year so it is possible that James might take a one year deal with the team that drafts his son.