Lots of NBA fans have been speculating whether LeBron James would hang up his boots after the 2025-26 season. Well, whether he does or not, The Athletic recently reported on James' thoughts about a retirement tour.

Only the stalwarts of a field, like John Cena in the WWE, get farewell tours before bidding their final goodbyes. Given James' stats and contribution to the game, his case for a retirement tour certainly carries weight.

However, The Athletic deduced from multiple sources close to James that, regardless of what fans believe, 'LBJ' isn't interested in a retirement tour. Their report said, "The notion that James would want a farewell tour — long cited as evidence that this season was not his last — is false, those sources said, with several sources even hearing that directly from James himself."

But the report couldn't provide clarity about whether James would call the curtains to his prolonged career after the 2025-26 season. “Team and league sources granted anonymity to speak openly, say James has made no decisions regarding his future; that retirement remains a real possibility,” it said.

Given how great James had played this season, there is hope that he would be around for one or two more years. But, as of now, only time seems to have the answer to whether he will continue after this season.

Despite such an illustrative career, many often rate James inferior to the likes of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant in the GOAT debate. However, according to a former NBA champion, James can edge past all others in the current season only, given that he achieves a specific feat.

Former NBA Champion reveals condition to consider LeBron James the GOAT

James put up multiple strong performances this season, which helped the Lakers book their place in the playoffs. However, the playoffs present a massive challenge for James and the Lakers as they are set to face Kevin Durant's Houston Rockets, who currently hold a 9-1 record in the last ten games.

To make things worse, two key players for the Lakers, Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves, will be unavailable for all four playoff matches, making the task even harder for 'LBJ' and his side.

As a result, the 2008 NBA Champion, Kendrick Perkins, recently opined that James would become the GOAT and seal the debate forever if he manages to overcome the Rockets' challenge in the playoffs and carry the Lakers to the next stage.

Perkins said, "No, Luka Doncic. No, Austin Reeves. [Still] if a 41-year-old LeBron James in a head-to-head matchup with Kevin Durant comes out victorious in this series, I don’t want to hear a damn thing anymore about the GOAT conversation."

So, do you think 'King James' will eventually become the GOAT in Perkins' book, even while being in the twilight of his career?

Follow Air Jordan Chronicles for more

Written by

Nandjee Ranjan

Edited by

Souvik Roy