LeBron James Earns New Nickname Amid Retirement Rumors

A month before his 40th birthday, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James recorded his 116th regular season triple-double, which was his third-straight and fourth of the season – in just 11 games.

The future Hall of Famer dropped 35 points on 13-for-22 shooting (4-of-7 from 3), 14 assists and 12 rebounds in the team’s 128-123 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Fans have become accustomed to LeBron’s greatness, but they won’t be able to see it forever.

Earlier this week ESPN insider Shams Charania predicted LeBron might even retire at the end of the 2025-26 season. “My sense is next season could potentially be his last season in the NBA,” Charania said on First Take. “…Maybe Bryce James keeps him around an extra year or two.”

LeBron even admitted he’s not sure how much time he has left on the court and said he doesn’t plan to play “until the wheels fall off.”

“I don’t know,” James said to reporters, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I’m not going to play that much longer, to be completely honest. I don’t know how many years that is, whether it’s one year or two years. I’m not playing until the wheels fall off. I’m not going to be the guy that’s disrespecting the game because I just want to be out on the floor.”

For now, fans can appreciate LeBron’s greatness.

Or better yet, Mr. Miyagi’s.

Former NBA star Paul Pierce believes that’s what LeBron’s new nickname should be following his incredible start to the 2024-25 season.

“This is ridiculous watching this grown, old man still dominate these young boys. He’s the Mr. Miyagi of the NBA.”@paulpierce34 reacts to LeBron getting a 3rd-straight triple double— Speak

“This is ridiculous watching this grown, old man still dominate these young boys,” Pierce said on Speak. “We’ve got to give him a new name. He’s the Mr. Miyagi of the NBA. I mean it’s unbelievable. I don’t think he’s carrying too much of a load because this is just who LeBron is. You put him on the court and you give him the minutes, he’s going to be productive.”

The Lakers sit at 7-4 on the season following a 3-0 home stand thanks to LeBron’s elite play.

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