NBA Fans Fear Retirement After LeBron James' 7-Word Message

NBA Fans Fear Retirement After LeBron James' 7-Word Message originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

LeBron James has enjoyed a career for the ages—four NBA championships, four MVPs, 21 All-Star selections, and the title of the league's all-time leading scorer. At 40, he continued to defy Father Time with averages of 24.4 points (51.3% FG), 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists this season, earning All-NBA Second Team honors and a sixth-place finish in MVP voting.

The 2024-25 campaign set historic milesto nes for James: playing alongside his son Bronny James, breaking the triple-double record for a 40-year-old, and surpassing 50,000 career points. Despite these highs, the Los Angeles Lakers were ousted in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves, fueling fresh speculation about his future.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23)Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

On Saturday, he ignited the rumor mill again with a social media clip from a press conference. In the video, James was asked if the retirement rumors were true, with the video ending in a dramatic cut-to-black.

His caption read: "I've been asking myself the same question… 🤔👑 #ad"

Due to James indicating this is an advertisement, it seems very unlikely this is how he is teasing retirement, but fans have still been reacting in the comments.

"I can speak for every NBA fan when LeBron retires the league won't be the same 💔," one fan wrote.

"Quit play ing bro 💔," another fan added.

"Laker fans in shambles 👀," a third fan said

"Don't joke like that king you got a couple seasons left in you," another fan remarked.

"Dont scare me like that," another fan posted.

"My GOAT about to announce his retirement tour," said another.

Despite the cryptic social media tease, it appears increasingly likely that James will return next season. His legacy is secure, but the curtain may soon fall on one of the greatest careers in NBA history.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.

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