LeBron James saying he’s considering retirement following this season was surprising. After 20+ years of professional basketball, it shouldn’t be surprising if he was ready for it to end, but James’ own words made the topic seem strange. Anyone looking at James retiring odds will also point to the man’s own comments as the surprise behind the recent talk.
While anyone making NBA picks will see that James doesn’t quite have the bounce in his step, James is still an All-Star-level performer.
LeBron James Retiring Odds
| Will LeBron James retire before next season? | Odds |
|---|---|
| Yes | +800 |
| No | -2000 |
Here are some reasons James will keep playing.
Chance for a rare dream
James has long said that his goal was to retire after being able to play on the same team as his son. NBA odds show father-son tandems are unlikely for many reasons.
There has never been one in the NBA because of the logistics of the game. Not many NBA players have careers that last until their late 30s or early 40s. Also, not many players have kids early enough or talented enough to join them in the NBA.
People looking at James retiring odds will see the verdict on Lebron’s son, Bronny, is still out. Bronny committed to South California to play this season but isn’t the prospect his dad was.
Bronny averaged 14 points and 5.5 rebounds per game as a high school senior and will need to make a major leap and see if he’s ready to play professionally.
The Lakers may challenge for another title
Los Angeles started last season slow and appeared to be headed for disaster. The Lakers were able to retool their roster and improve James retiring odds. Los Angeles reinvented itself at the trade deadline by adding players who could pick up the slack on defense.
The Lakers need to figure out what to do with the oft-injured Anthony Davis. If Los Angeles can lure another star to help carry the load, the Lakers will be dangerous enough to help LeBron run down ring number five in his career.
LeBron gearing up for proper sendoff
Anyone making LeBron James retire predictions knows that money won’t necessarily be a motivator for him to stick around. James is a billionaire and has many businesses outside of basketball that provide steady revenue.
There have been talks LeBron has camera crews following him seeking to do a “Last Dance” documentary like ESPN did on Jordan during his time in Chicago. James is a media-savvy person and knows ways to create buzz. James won’t want to miss his chance to do a good sports documentary.
Superstars don’t retire well
James came along in an era where advanced training techniques have allowed superstars to prolong their careers. Tom Brady played into his mid-40s before finally hanging it up as an NFL quarterback. Rafael Nadal is still hanging on in tennis despite injuries.
Star players with big followings on social media also won’t want to lose any of their large audience. Some people won’t want to follow athletes post-career.
LeBron will keep his giant machine rolling by playing for a few more years.
Will James retire?
No. The pull of being the first player in NBA history to play on the same team as his son is something that LeBron will want to be a part of, much like breaking the league’s all-time scoring record, like LeBron did last season.
James is still playing at an above-average level, although he has been tortured by injuries the past few seasons. Until LeBron figures out if his son can play or not, he isn’t going anywhere.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.
