LeBron James not waiting on second son to reach NBA

LeBron James Clarifies Retirement Timeline, Not Waiting on Bryce James

LeBron James, one of the greatest players in NBA history and the league’s all-time leading scorer, has once again made headlines. The 39-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star, who turns 41 in December, has clarified that while he cherishes playing with his eldest son Bronny James, he will not extend his career simply to share the court with his second son, Bryce James.

Speaking at the Lakers’ media day on September 29, LeBron was asked about the possibility of staying in the league long enough to play with Bryce, who is currently preparing for his freshman season at Arizona. His answer was direct and definitive: “No, I’m not waiting on Bryce. He has his own timeline. I’ve got my timeline. I don’t know if they quite match up.”

The statement ends speculation that LeBron would attempt to recreate history by playing with two of his sons in the NBA. Last season, LeBron achieved a once-unthinkable feat when he played alongside Bronny James, marking the first time in basketball history that a father and son shared the professional court together. That moment was celebrated worldwide as a milestone in sports history, cementing LeBron’s legacy not only as a player but as a symbol of longevity and family pride.

Bryce James’ Path Still Developing

While Bronny made his NBA debut last season, Bryce’s journey is just beginning. The 17-year-old guard has committed to Arizona, where he will play his freshman year in the NCAA. Analysts believe Bryce has the physical tools and raw potential to succeed at the professional level, but his development timeline is far less certain than Bronny’s was.

If Bryce excels in his freshman season, he could declare for the NBA Draft as early as next summer. However, LeBron stressed that he would not tie his own career decisions to Bryce’s future, emphasizing that each of his children must follow their own path in basketball without the added weight of his legacy dictating their choices.

LeBron’s Future Still Undecided

As for LeBron’s own career, the four-time NBA champion has not yet decided whether this season will be his last. Entering his 23rd year in the league, he continues to defy age and expectations. Last season, he appeared in 70 games and posted impressive averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. These numbers placed him within the top 22 of each statistical category across the NBA — an extraordinary achievement for any player, let alone one nearing his 40s.

With these performances, LeBron demonstrated that he remains one of the league’s most impactful players. His ability to adapt his game, balancing scoring with playmaking, has allowed him to maintain an elite standard across two decades. Yet, despite his continued dominance, the toll of 23 seasons and over 1,500 regular-season games weighs heavily on his decision about when to step away.

Chasing More Records

When LeBron suits up on October 21 for the Lakers’ season opener against the Golden State Warriors, he will officially become the first player in NBA history to compete in 23 seasons. This milestone highlights not just his talent but his unparalleled durability and commitment.

Currently, LeBron has played in 1,562 regular-season games. He is just 50 games shy of surpassing Hall of Famer Robert Parish’s long-standing record for most games played in NBA history. If LeBron remains healthy this season, he could set yet another record to add to his already unparalleled resume.

He already holds the NBA scoring record with 42,184 points, having surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar last year. Alongside these achievements, LeBron has been named to the All-Star team 21 times, won four league MVP awards, and collected four NBA championships — titles split between the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers.

Partnership with Luka Doncic

Adding to the intrigue this season is LeBron’s partnership with fellow superstar Luka Doncic. The combination of LeBron’s leadership and Doncic’s rising stardom gives the Lakers one of the most dynamic duos in the league. The partnership is expected to be central to the team’s hopes of competing for another championship.

For LeBron, playing alongside Doncic represents both a new challenge and an opportunity. It is rare for a player in his 23rd season to still be considered a key piece of a contender, but LeBron’s skill set, basketball IQ, and experience make him as valuable as ever.

Legacy Beyond Numbers

While LeBron continues to pile up records and accolades, his legacy stretches beyond statistics. His longevity has reshaped how players, coaches, and fans think about aging in professional sports. Entering the NBA in 2003 as the No. 1 overall pick out of high school, LeBron carried immense expectations. Over two decades later, he has not only lived up to them but exceeded every projection.

Off the court, his influence has been equally profound. From philanthropy through his “I PROMISE” school in Akron, Ohio, to his advocacy for social justice and player empowerment, LeBron has become a global figure whose impact transcends basketball.

What Comes Next

For now, LeBron insists that his focus remains on the season ahead, not on whether this will be his farewell tour. His comments about Bryce highlight his commitment to letting his sons forge their own careers while he decides his own future independently.

If this does turn out to be his final season, he will leave the game as the most decorated and durable player of his era — a man who redefined greatness while setting new standards for professionalism and longevity. If he chooses to continue, he could further extend records and continue mentoring the next generation of stars like Doncic.

Either way, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer is approaching the twilight of his career on his own terms, determined not to let outside narratives or expectations dictate his journey. As opening night approaches, fans will once again have the privilege of watching LeBron James make history every time he steps onto the court.

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