After an embarrassing sweep by Denver Nuggets at the Western Conference Finals Game 4, the Los Angeles Lakers are out of the competition. This has severely affected the morale of the Lakers team, especially LeBron James. King James is no quitter. However, given the disappointment of this playoff series, he might consider retiring from the sport. Skip Bayless, alongside Shannon Sharpe, doubted LeBron’s retirement hints in yesterday’s show. Today, in the latest Undisputed episode, he again refuted LeBron’s hints. He even compared James to Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant, calling him extremely lucky and ‘blessed’ for his physical attributes.
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Interestingly, Skip was known for being a LeBron James hater, often criticizing him several times. However, the new records King James has been breaking this season might have changed his mind.
Skip Bayless compares LeBron James to Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan as the King mulls retirement
Skip Bayless has been adamant that LeBron will not retire after this season. Even before the playoffs, Skip Bayless has spoken a lot in favor of LeBron James for the past few weeks. He took the side of the Lakers man when fans started drawing his comparisons to prospect draft Victor Wembanyama.
In this latest episode of The Undisputed, Skip Bayless compared LeBron to San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan and the late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. He said:
“The Tim I have watched for the last couple of years, his fire was going out….LeBron’s fire has not gone out…. And physically, to me, he’s still incredibly blessed.”
.@RealSkipBayless on LeBron publicly contemplating retirement for the first time:
“LeBron’s fire hasn’t gone out and physically to me, he’s still incredibly blessed.” pic.twitter.com/4lyUVWFAoZ
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) May 24, 2023
On this note, he compares LeBron to Kobe, who had to deal with physical ailments toward the end of his career. He said:
“Kobe’s body betrayed. It just said ‘No, I can’t do this.’ It fell completely apart. I am talking about the Achilles tear. LeBron has had none of that. He’s got issues with his feet, with his ankles, I got it. He might need a surgical cleanup of his ankles. He needs to clean it back up and get back up and running.”
In this exact quote, Skip also evokes the example of Tom Brady. Brady was suffering from a knee ailment, which was one reason for his first retirement on February 1, 2022. However, Brady returned for the next season just 40 days after announcing his retirement on March 13, 2022. As Skip puts it, mentality plays an essential role in continuing to play at the highest levels.
LeBron’s current contract situation with the Lakers amid retirement concerns
On September 2022, LeBron James signed a $97 million extension to his Lakers contract. He still has two more years left in it, which means LeBron could be seen playing for two more seasons.
However, the contract does include a player option for the 2024-25 season. This would mean that James could choose to drop out of the deal if he wishes to. Currently, the aim for LeBron has been not to make money. James has very publicly stated that he wishes to play with his son, Bronny, in the NBA.
James could also be concerned about the team that would shape up around him at the Lakers. These uncertainties, coupled with his age, health, and a devastating loss to the Denver Nuggets have made James’ return to the NBA questionable at the very least.
