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Former NBA player: LeBron should retire, won't win another NBA title

Former NBA player: LeBron should retire, won't win another NBA title

USA Today04-06-2025
Former NBA player: LeBron should retire, won't win another NBA title
LeBron James has a big decision to make over the next few weeks. He has a player option for next season, and he can either play on it or decline it. If he is to decline that option, he's expected to sign a slightly longer new contract in order to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers.
But there are those, including quite a few Lakers fans, who want him to either leave the Lakers or simply retire this summer. A sizable chunk of the Lakers' fan base feels James has run his course with the franchise and that it is time for the organization to say goodbye to him and Klutch Sports.
Former NBA player Olden Polynice went on the "Fast Break" podcast, which is hosted by former Laker Byron Scott, and said it's time for James to call it quits.
"The longevity aspect, I think it's getting a little bit too much now," Polynice said. "Because I'm like, dude, what else you want to do? It's time for you to start thinking about retiring."
With Luka Doncic now by his side, James could have a very real chance at winning his fifth NBA championship next season, as long as management upgrades at the center position and adds guard and wing depth. But Polynice feels that no matter what, the 40-year-old will be stuck at four rings.
"He ain't getting no fifth ring unless he buys one," Polynice stated. "… It ain't happening."
James is still playing at a high level, even if there has been a bit of slippage lately. He averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds a game while shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from 3-point range this season, and he was named to the All-NBA Second Team.
If he returns next season, he will play in his 23rd NBA season, which will set a new record.
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