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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
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9 NBA Players Expected To Retire Before 40-Year-Old LeBron James
9 NBA Players Expected To Retire Before 40-Year-Old LeBron James originally appeared on Fadeaway World. LeBron James is heading into the 23rd season of his career and now holds the record for the most seasons played in the NBA by a single player. While some sources are claiming that this could be the last season for LeBron James, betting website Bovada seems to believe that nine other players are more likely to retire before James. According to Bovada, betting odds for the next player to retire in the NBA indicate that James is the tenth most likely to announce his retirement after this season. Odds on the next NBA player to retire: 1. PJ Tucker +275 2. Al Horford +400 3. Nicolas Batum +400 4. Kevin Love +500 5. DeAndre Jordan +800 6. Kyle Lowry +950 7. Eric Gordon +1600 8. Jeff Green +2200 9. Mike Conley +2500 10. LeBron James +2800 11. Brook Lopez +10000 12. Russell Westbrook +10000 13. Kevin Durant +25000 PJ Tucker tops the list with the highest chances of retiring after this season. The 40-year-old veteran forward became a free agent this summer after the Knicks refused to pick up his $3.4 million team option. Nearing the end of his career, Tucker has only played 34 games over the past two seasons, barely averaging 2.7 points per game in that time. Last season, he only played three games for the Knicks, despite signing a two-year deal with the team, which included the team option for 2025-26. Nicolas Batum and Al Horford are the next two most likely players to retire, followed by LeBron James' former teammate and close friend, Kevin Love. The 36-year-old Batum is still important to the Clippers' rotation following the recent signing of Beal, but he has seen his point production significantly fall since 2022 (2023: 6.1 points per game, 2024: 5.3 points per game, 2025: 4.0 points per game) and is hence among the betting favorites to retire next at his age. He has two years remaining on his deal, including a $5.8 million team option in 2026-27. Al Horford, at age 39, is reportedly holding back on deciding between the Warriors and other potential destinations while mulling over retirement in free agency. He recently won his first NBA championship near the end of his career, and it seems like now would be the perfect time for him to retire if he feels he does not have it in him anymore. Former NBA champion Kevin Love was teammates with James for multiple seasons before winning his only ring in 2016. At age 36, Love is entering the last season of his contract while playing for the Utah Jazz and is expected to earn $4.1 million this coming season. The remaining five players are: DeAndre Jordan (36 years old), Kyle Lowry (39 years old), Eric Gordon (36 years old), Jeff Green (38 years old), and Mike Conley (37 years old). It is incredible to think that LeBron James, the oldest of them all, is not expected to retire before them. James is entering the final season of his contract with the Lakers after he picked up his $52.6 million player option earlier this summer. He is still playing at an All-NBA level and was selected to the All-NBA second team last season. He averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds at this stage in his career, which is superhuman at this point. While he is not expected to get any more offers from the Lakers, following what seems to be a drift away from the front office, James will still have a lot of demand in the league if he does not decide to retire after this season. In this free agency itself, several teams indicated they would love to have him on their roster if the Lakers bought him out amid the rift rumors. Therefore, he may not expect similar money in comparison to what he is earning with the Lakers at the moment. But if James decides he can still play for another championship, then teams may be interested in offering him enough to reconsider the retirement option. Therefore, it is understandable why James is not the betting favorite to retire after this story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
LeBron James Reportedly Frustrated With Lakers' Lack Of Direction Since Westbrook Trade
LeBron James Reportedly Frustrated With Lakers' Lack Of Direction Since Westbrook Trade originally appeared on Fadeaway World. LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers may be heading for an awkward standoff. According to Lakers insider Anthony Irwin, the four-time champion has grown increasingly frustrated with the team's lack of direction since the Russell Westbrook trade. Despite now being paired with superstar Luka Doncic, LeBron is reportedly unsure about the franchise's long-term vision, and it's creating tension behind the scenes. 'On LeBron James' side, there is real frustration over the Lakers' lack of direction since the Russell Westbrook trade,' wrote Irwin. 'The whole thing has become pretty awkward, and yet the reality is they're both better off with each other. There is no trade the Lakers would make that would give James a better chance at a title than he has playing with Doncic.' The Lakers traded for Westbrook in the summer of 2021 in a huge package centered around Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, three second-round picks, the draft rights to Isaiah Jackson, and a future pick swap with the Nets in 2025. At the time, LeBron was a huge supporter of the trade, and some say he helped pull the strings to get him there. Unfortunately for LeBron and the Lakers, signing Westbrook ended up as a huge mistake that set their team back by years. It wasn't until he was traded in 2023 (in a deal with the Jazz) that the Lakers finally experienced a shift in their identity. In the years that followed, a fragmented vision kept the Lakers in the dark with mistakes that included short-term moves and conflicting roster builds. It was nothing but forgettable seasons for years until Luka Doncic joined the fold in the 2024-25 campaign. Frankly, the Lakers were mismanaged and headed for collapse until Mavericks GM Nico Harrison bailed them out with a lucrative trade offer they couldn't refuse. The whole thing has been frustrating for LeBron James, who is now 40 years old. But if his main goal is to win, there may be no better place for him than by Luka Doncic's side. Together, they can achieve great things and have the potential to make some serious waves in the West. But while the duo of LeBron and Luka offers massive upside on the court, the Lakers' inability to execute a consistent long-term plan is still a problem. Even with two generational talents on the roster, there's a sense that Los Angeles is building on the fly, hoping talent alone will be enough to carry them deep into the postseason. At this stage of his career, James doesn't have time for another rebuilding project. With a player option for the 2025–26 season, LeBron holds all the leverage, and if he feels the Lakers aren't maximizing his final years, he could explore other options—either via trade or free agency next summer. Still, there's reason for optimism. With Luka Doncic in his prime and James still playing at a high level (24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game last season), the Lakers are as competitive as they've been in years. The key now is building a roster and a strategy that LeBron can fully buy into. Whether the front office can deliver on that remains to be seen, but they may not have much time left before LeBron makes his next big story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
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LeBron James Has Had No Buyout Or Trade Talks With Lakers, Expected To Be Available For Training Camp
LeBron James Has Had No Buyout Or Trade Talks With Lakers, Expected To Be Available For Training Camp originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Despite a frenzy of offseason speculation, LeBron James is not headed anywhere, at least for now. According to a detailed report by The Athletic's Dan Woike and Joe Vardon, James has not engaged in any buyout or trade conversations with the Los Angeles Lakers. There is no indication from either camp that such talks have taken place, and all signs point to James reporting to training camp ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season. The 40-year-old superstar, who recently opted into the final year of his $52.6 million deal, is still expected to wear purple and gold this fall. James' decision not to pursue an extension after opting in to his player option sparked immediate buzz around the league. Combine that with Rich Paul's cryptic statements about evaluating what's best for LeBron "at this stage in his life and career," and rumors swirled about a possible split between the NBA's all-time leading scorer and the Lakers. But reality, as it turns out, is far more stable than the headlines suggest. LeBron has been active and visible with the team throughout the summer. He was seen shaking hands with Rob Pelinka, exchanging laughs with head coach JJ Redick, and supporting his son Bronny at Summer League games in Las Vegas. All of it pointed to one conclusion: James is still fully invested in the Lakers. Some of the confusion began when it became clear that James would not be the centerpiece of the franchise moving forward. That title now belongs to Luka Doncic, the 26-year-old superstar the Lakers acquired in a blockbuster midseason deal. Yet rather than fueling division, Doncic's arrival may actually be extending LeBron's championship window. As long as James continues to perform at a high level, pairing him with Luka could give the Lakers a legitimate title shot. From a business standpoint, the Lakers have no incentive to rush LeBron out. They want to keep their books clean for next summer, and James' expiring contract gives them maximum flexibility. Trading him for another star would commit them to long-term salary, something they've been trying to avoid. A buyout, meanwhile, makes even less sense. If they cut him before training camp, Cleveland, one of LeBron's rumored suitors, could sign him. But if they wait until after the season starts, the Cavaliers (currently over the second apron) would be ineligible to pick him up due to the NBA's new CBA rules. Those hoping for a dramatic exit should temper their expectations. League sources have consistently stated there's been no pressure from LeBron's camp to push a move. Scoop B reported that four teams, the Clippers, Mavericks, Warriors, and Cavaliers, had reached out to Rich Paul regarding James, but none of that has translated into anything substantial. James also holds a full no-trade clause, so any deal would require his full approval. There's also the sentimental aspect. This season could be LeBron's last in the NBA, and he's made it clear how much playing alongside his son Bronny means to him. Bronny, who is under contract for three more years with the Lakers, has been improving steadily under the organization's development plan. LeBron recently called it the most gratifying experience of his career. In the meantime, James is staying busy off the court—golfing, vacationing, and rehabbing his left knee. So until further notice, the King stays in Los Angeles. He may no longer be the singular face of the franchise, but alongside Luka Doncic, he still has a chance to author one more magical story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA Exec Says LeBron James Made a Mistake Not Returning To Cavaliers
NBA Exec Says LeBron James Made a Mistake Not Returning To Cavaliers originally appeared on Fadeaway World. One anonymous NBA executive believes LeBron James blew his chance at a perfect ending. According to Hoops Wire, the unnamed exec said James should have opted out of his $50 million deal with the Lakers this summer and returned home to Cleveland, where he could have joined forces with Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley. In the exec's eyes, that lineup would have 'walked to the NBA Finals' and set up a legendary third act for James in a Cavaliers jersey. "I'm not gonna sit here and tell someone to say no to over $50 million, but LeBron is a billionaire, man,' the NBA exec told Hoops Wire. 'He has enough money and makes enough off the court. If I were in his camp, I would have told him to decline his player option with the Lakers and sign with the Cavs. That would have been the smart play." James, 40, has been a Laker since 2018, but he had the opportunity this summer to chart a different course. As it stands, it looks like James will be heading back to the Lakers to finish his career, but not everyone agrees that it's the best place to maximize his title odds. 'Do you know how dangerous Cleveland would have been? LeBron starting next to Donovan [Mitchell], Evan [Mobley], Jarrett [Allen], and Darius [Garland]? They would have walked to the NBA Finals, and it would have been a storybook ending for LeBron to finish his career in Cleveland," said the exec. "I think he made a mistake.' James (career averages of 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game) has a long and complicated history with the Cavaliers. First of all, he was born in Akron, Ohio, which is not far from Cleveland. Growing up a Cavs fan, his story went full circle when he was drafted by the franchise with the No. 1 overall pick in 2003. He rose to stardom right away and was a hero in the city until his dramatic exit in 2010. He spent four years with the Heat, which was met with resentment and vitriol from the fans. Eventually, he returned to the Cavs and helped them win a title in 2016 before he left once again to sign with the Lakers. A return to Cleveland at this stage would've been the ultimate storybook ending—one that also positioned him to chase another ring with Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. While the Cavs are in the second apron, James likely could have forced his way back there this summer if he really wanted, especially in a buyout scenario. Instead, LeBron missed his chance, and he may come to regret it later. Instead, LeBron may have let the perfect ending slip away, and the regret could come later. For now, LeBron James remains in Los Angeles, still competing at an elite level as he enters his 22nd NBA season. But as the end of his career draws near, the idea of a final chapter in Cleveland—where it all began—will always linger in the minds of fans and execs alike. Whether or not James regrets staying in L.A., one thing is clear: the storybook ending was right there waiting for story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Draymond Green Rips New CBA For Ruining Free Agency; Wishes He Had Been President Of NBPA
Draymond Green Rips New CBA For Ruining Free Agency; Wishes He Had Been President Of NBPA originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green has been one of the most vocal critics of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, which came into effect in 2023. This CBA, which runs through the 2029-30 season, notably introduced the second apron, and Green stated on Threads that it has ruined free agency. "I'm sitting in my mancave having a conversation with my wife. Baffled at the fact that NBA free agency is over. Quite frankly, it never really started. The level of anticipation leading up to July 1st were as exciting as the fireworks on the 4th. It was the excitement of the NBA Finals, yet only a week after watching a team spray champagne and ride on floats. "One can only point to the 'New CBA' and the 2nd apron(hard cap) for absolutely putting an end to Free Agency, as we once knew it. Sadly, I sit here and watch so many players overplay the market and not understand what they are up against with the new rules. Which leads me to trying to understand the unstaggering percentage of guys that has no idea of THE BUSINESS they are a part of. "And I as a 'VET' in this league watch players mismanage their careers and before they know it, look back like DAMN, where to next? I can go so far with this, but I really don't feel like typing it all right now. Because there's so many arms to this topic. An Insane amount, and then add in my personal experience with it. "I have what I think is an extremely unique perspective on this. I am obviously a player, a former amazing general manager is one of my close friends. I am very close with previous owners and current ones. I was introduced to the business at 16 by Joe [Dumars], so yeah, all that to say, it's interesting to watch and also be a part of. Maybe I'll write some long piece, or maybe I'll just do a podcast lol. "But regardless of where I decide to let these thoughts out, I should've been the Players Association president lol. I could've helped a lot. The league is great, it's been great to all of us. Amazing partnership amongst players, staff, front office, ownership, and Fans that make the well-oiled machine soar. And rightfully so, but it's baffling to me how little players know about this business and how it affects them, and ways most don't understand. "Funny thing is, I said this before the last CBA. Kinda beating a dead horse, I suppose lol. And also, before y'all run and make this about JK, it isn't. He's 22 and will be great and make a bunch of money, so this ain't got nothing to do with him." NBPA President CJ McCollum has come under fire for this new CBA, and Green appears to think he'd have done a far better job. He certainly would have tried his best to ensure things wouldn't have gone down this route with the second apron. These rules were put in place to curb the spending of teams like the Warriors. Their owners had been willing to spend enormous amounts in the form of luxury tax, but now had to worry about the penalties that came with the apron. That, in turn, hurts the players as well. Green had stated that the Warriors would be the last NBA dynasty because of the new CBA, and there is a good chance they will be. Front offices are now forced to break apart their teams to avoid the second apron penalties, and the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 2025 NBA champions, will have to do so as well, sooner rather than story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
