As LeBron James embarks on his 22nd season in the NBA, many have speculated not only how much longer his career will last but where he’ll end up once his contract expires. James has called the Lakers home for the last six seasons, and will play at least one more year before a player option in the 2025 offseason. Now, one prominent league analyst has made his thoughts known on where James will ride his career into the sunset, as well as the expectations surrounding the legend’s son.
NBA Analyst Predicts LeBron’s Retirement, Defends Bronny
Kenny Smith’s Thoughts on James’ Future
“Inside the NBA” analyst and 10-year league vet Kenny Smith was interviewed by DJ Siddiqi of Responsible Gambling, where he offered bold thoughts on the future of one of the league’s all-time greats:
“I think he ends his career as a Laker — that’s just my personal opinion. I haven’t spoken to him, or anyone with that influence.”
LeBron Retiring a Laker?
James has spoken highly of the Lakers since joining the organization in 2018. He has seen almost everything in his time in the purple and gold, from winning a title to missing the postseason entirely. But through it all, he has remained committed to helping the franchise succeed, most recently taking a paycut to help the team avoid the CBA’s second apron.
That’s not to say other teams didn’t test the King’s loyalty to LA. Late last season, rumors swirled that the Golden State Warriors attempted to trade for LeBron at the deadline. James swiftly denied those talks at All-Star weekend, saying he was never informed of the matter. Later reports revealed that Rich Paul stopped the discussions from advancing further.
Smith’s belief in LeBron retiring a Laker echoes the hopes of many team staffers and even James himself, as he previously told ESPN:
“I am a Laker and I’m happy and been very happy being a Laker the last six years and hopefully it stays that way. But I don’t have the answer to how long it is or which uniform I’ll be in. Hopefully [it] is with the Lakers. It’s a great organization, so many greats. But we’ll see.”
As things stand right now, most signs point to LeBron ending his career as a member of the purple and gold. He has already adjusted to the expectations that come with donning the historic jersey, and will continue to lead the team as he turns 40 in December. If there were any more doubts about that, look no further than who he’ll be sharing the court with next season.
Smith Talks Bronny James
“The Jet” also commented on LeBron’s eldest son, Bronny James, who enters his rookie year as the 55th pick in the draft and one of the NBA’s most polarizing prospects. The sixth overall pick of the 1987 NBA Draft, Smith provided some perspective on why James Jr. “deserved” to be a second-round selection.
“That means that when you’re in that second round, we’re waiting on you, we’re waiting for you to develop. That’s what that really means. And he’s one of those players who is a McDonald’s All-American, he was one of the top guards in his class as a freshman, that’s what they’re waiting on.”
The Lakers’ patience with Bronny is noticeable considering the past few months. They have clearly shown a willingness to develop his game throughout Summer League and the offseason. Recent workout videos against NBA vets have only added to James’s case as a promising NBA rookie.
Bronny 1v1 workout vs Darius Garland & Talen Horton Tucker
Handle and jumper looking nice for Bronny
pic.twitter.com/TL4STL2SR8
— LakeShow Highlights (@LSH_lakeshow) August 28, 2024
LeBron has also expressed excitement when it comes to playing alongside his son as the first father-son duo in NBA history and fifth in professional sports history. On a recent episode of “The Shop,” he said:
“Having your son work with you, it’s like the greatest thing. I can’t wait for this moment. I really cannot wait to hit the floor; it’s going to be pretty surreal for me.”
LeBron James on teaming with Bronny James on the Lakers: “It’s a dream come true.” pic.twitter.com/UcRWsswnEk
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) July 6, 2024
Smith joins LeBron, GM Rob Pelinka, head coach JJ Redick and governor Jeanie Buss as defenders of Bronny James as he embraces his new opportunity. Like the Lakers, he sees the potential that Bronny has, and is right to emphasize patience as the 19-year-old lives out his own NBA dreams.
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