RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesRich Paul Drops Massive Hint About NBA Legend LeBron James' Retirement Plans After Joining 76ers
LeBron James took his sweet time shopping for his next team when free agency tipped off. Nearly a month later, he settled on the Philadelphia 76ers.
When the NBA’s all-time scoring leader was on the hunt, many assumed it would be for one final chapter spanning the 2026-27 season. Then, he surprisingly signed a two-year contract. But could James play even longer than two more seasons?
Not 1, Not 2, Not 3 More Years for LeBron James?
When James famously announced “The Decision” to sign with the Miami Heat on ESPN in 2010, he declared the team wouldn’t win just one, two, or three championships. Now, the 41-year-old may be saying the same thing, only with how many more seasons he still has left in the tank.
According to James’ agent Rich Paul, who recently spoke to ESPN, the 22-time All-Star may not be limited to just the two-year contract he signed with Philadelphia.
Paul believes there’s a chance that the future Hall of Famer will be invigorated by his new teammates, so much so that he could play up to four more years.
“I think Philadelphia’s going to energize him,” Paul told ESPN . “Maybe we get two [seasons]. Maybe we get four.”
MORE: ‘A Modest Arrogant Guy’ — NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal Makes Blunt Observation About LeBron James’ Historic Longevity
Four more seasons!? No one has ever played 23 NBA seasons, well, none other than James. He’s already signed up to play his 24th. If James plays out his full contract, he will have played a quarter-century’s worth of seasons. Mind blown.
But to think there’s a chance he could play 26 or even 27 NBA seasons? That’s maniacal, but if anyone can do it, it’s James, who entered the league when he was just 18 years old.
Amazingly, if James played four more seasons, that still wouldn’t make him the oldest player to ever suit up in the NBA. He’d still be just the second-oldest in league history.
Yet, James still earned an All-Star nod for his stellar play this past season. In other words, this guy still has it.
It’s hard to imagine his skills suddenly disappearing from last season to this upcoming one. Plus, with the roster the 76ers have built, James may be able to take more of a back seat in Philadelphia.
It’s not like he’ll be the leading scorer. That job belongs to Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid or Jaylen Brown, but not James.
James also won’t be asked to be the leading defender in the paint or on the perimeter. Either Embiid or Brown will be tasked with those jobs.
It’s hard to know exactly what to expect from James as he settles in with his new team. Right now, there’s understandably a lot of excitement all around. Should the 76ers experience more durability concerns, could James’ excitement dissipate? Hopefully things won’t deteriorate to that point.
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