LeBron James is still going strong heading into his 23rd NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers, but even the all-time great knows the end is creeping closer. At 40 years old, James is eyeing the future—and, apparently, looking over his shoulder at a towering 7’4″ shadow named Victor Wembanyama.
Speaking at Fanatics Fest NYC 2025, James joined NFL legend Tom Brady on stage and fielded a question about his eventual retirement. While the tone was lighthearted, James’ answer was telling.
“I can’t play that much further,” he said with a laugh. “The more and more times that I play, as long as [Wembanyama] keeps smacking my f—— shots into the stands, it’s gonna make me retire.”
The moment drew laughter from the crowd, but it also reflected a deeper truth: the NBA is changing, and young phenoms like Wembanyama are at the center of it.
Wembanyama’s Impact on the King
In two high-profile games last season, Wembanyama blocked James’ shots in decisive fashion—once in December and again in February. And while LeBron posted elite numbers in 2024–25 (24.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 8.2 APG in 70 games), the 21-year-old San Antonio Spurs star made a lasting impression.
Wembanyama finished the season averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.8 blocks before a shoulder injury sidelined him. Already a two-time blocks champion, Wemby’s rapid rise is signaling a generational shift—and James appears to know it.
LeBron James Still Competing, Still Laughing
Despite the cracks about retirement, James is enjoying the ride. Sharing the stage with Brady, who famously played into his mid-40s, LeBron was encouraged to keep going.
“You’re still young! You look so good out there!” Brady told him, drawing cheers.
Whether it’s one more season or several, James remains the face of the Los Angeles Lakers—and the bridge between the league’s past and future. Matchups against Wembanyama and a new wave of talent may not push him out just yet, but they’re certainly making for must-watch basketball.