Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is still a crucial part of their roster, but the future Hall-Of-Famer has hinted that he is considering a second career after the NBA.
James has seemed to be nearing the end of a legendary NBA career for years now, but despite all the difficulties, he continues to play basketball at the highest level imaginable. Now that the 39-year-old may be nearing the end of his NBA career, he has hinted that he could be involved in the league in a different role when his playing days are over.
“You know, I don’t know,” LeBron James said when asked if he’d consider a career in broadcasting on the GoJo and Golic show. “I really love the game. That would be awesome. I see Tom Brady doing it, he’s been great so far. And, you know, we’ll see. Even if it’s just a guest appearance, you know, a game or two when I’m done playing. But it’s always fun to give back to the game because the game has given me so much. So whether it’s basketball, football, whatever it is, I love the word ‘sport,’ because it’s given me and my family so much. And it’s only fitting that I give back.”
James, who turns 40 in December, has had a stellar NBA career so far. The 6-foot-10 forward has appeared in 20 All-Star games, been named to six All-Defensive teams and has won four MVP and Finals MVP awards.
Many will question whether James has the personality to excel as a commentator once his playing career is over, but there’s no doubt his exceptional basketball IQ would give him an advantage. He regularly makes high-level reads of different plays on offense.
For example, if James is coming off a screen and notices two defenders collapsing on him, he will throw a pocket pass to his teammate in quick succession for an easy layup or dunk. If James catches the ball in the low post and realizes the help defender under the basket has ignored his defensive assignment, he will throw the ball to his teammate for an uncontested slam.
James may not crack a lot of jokes while commentating, but his insightful analysis would help viewers understand the game better. Even if he wasn’t on the court, he could point out teams’ mistakes and provide them with helpful suggestions. If he decides to go that route after retiring from the NBA, I’m sure he would find immediate success in a part-time or full-time role.
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