Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony ignited a new controversy regarding the retirement of one of most legendary figures to have ever played in the league. Making an openly vocal appearance on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’, Anthony called for his longtime friend and former teammate LeBron James to think about retirement.
He considers it is time to put an end to one of the best basketball stories to be witnessed by the NBA world. According to him, he has done everything for the sport and now it is time to take a rest and sit back.
Carmelo Anthony’s candid take
He’s still going, it’s unbelievable, man. “That’s my brother. We’ve been connected since we were 17, 18. And for me to be entering the Hall of Fame, and for him, hopefully, to get his a** up out of there and come on over this side. Enough is enough. Give it a break
Anthony’s comments arrive just as James is getting set for his 23rd season in the NBA at the age of 40. Although he has claimed his $52.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers recently, his contract is up after the 2025-26 season, so what he does next is still unknown.
The retirement speculations
James’ potential retirement has been the subject of constant speculation. Some of the followers and analysts think that he can keep playing on to join forces with his son, Bronny James, while others think that his final season might be the current one. The feelings shared by Anthony bring up another perspective, the mental strength of the majority of players who have retired after believing it was the right time.
Anthony, now inducted in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, spoke of going out with dignity, saying that even legendary careers need to end. Leave the baketball before the basketball leaves you.
His legacy remains untouched
No matter when he actually retires, James’ legacy is cemented. Four NBA titles, multiple MVP awards, and a game-changing influence on the sport and on society has him already placed among the all-time greats. His position on the rankings is still under debate, but there are many experts that consider James the best player to ever play teh game, even above Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant.
Anthony’s quote did not mean to put more pressure on James’ future, but it remind us that even the greatest careers are going to have an end at some point, sooner or later. The point is to do it at the right time.
Read the full article here
