Jeanie Buss, the Lakers’ president, made it clear that LeBron James’ future with the franchise is entirely up to him. She said that James has earned the right to determine his own path, and while she hopes he finishes his career in Los Angeles, she respects his space while keeping an open-door policy.
During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show on Tuesday, Buss said:
“If there was a script writer writer writing a script probably wouldn’t have him playing at this age,” Buss said. “He’s unbelievable.”
Buss reiterated that James has full control over his career timeline.
“He can play how ever long he wants to play,” she said. “He has to decide, that’s for him to decide. We’re here to help him fulfill that Vision.”
Although she hasn’t spoken with James about his future, Buss expressed her desire to be involved when the time comes. She also referenced NBA legend Kobe Bryant’s farewell season – how Bryant’s early announcement allowed the Lakers to plan a proper send-off.
“He watched very closely what we did with the end of Kobe’s career, and you have to keep in mind, Kobe gave us the best gift because he told us in November of that season, ‘This is going to be my last year,’” Buss said.
Buss believes Lakers legend James will take a similarly thoughtful approach when the time comes.
“Kobe really was thoughtful that way, and I imagine that LeBron will be the same way,” Buss said.
Former Philadelphia 76ers star on LeBron James’ potential retirement
In May, former Philadelphia 76ers star Charles Barkley appeared on Club Shay Shay with Shannon Sharpe, where he discussed LeBron James’ potential retirement. Barkley expressed hope that James steps away from the game while still playing at a high level.
“I hope he retires while he can still play,” Barkley said. “Because, man, I’ve been there myself. But when you see that 25-, 27-year-old, and he’s looking at you like, ‘I used to watch you. I’m coming for you,’ right? And there’s nothing you can do about it.
Barkley doesn’t want to see legendary players struggle past their prime. He pointed to Michael Jordan’s late-career stint with the Washington Wizards as an example, saying he didn’t want to remember the greatest player he ever faced in that phase.
“Michael Jordan playing with the Wizards—that’s the greatest player I played against,” he said. “I don’t want to see him doing that with the Wizards.”
Meanwhile, Lakers president Jeanie Buss made it clear that James’ future with the team is entirely his decision.
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