Could NBA fans have witnessed the last LeBron James-Stephen Curry Christmas Day matchup? The professional rivalry that generated excitement amongst modern NBA enthusiasts for more than a decade may have reached its endpoint. After all, LeBron James is just a few days shy of his 40 birthday, and the Warriors himself is not getting any younger. Giving his two cents on the retirement discussion, Curry recently stated “It’s okay to accept and acknowledge that the end is near at whatever point”. Now, even the All-Time Scoring Leader is not shying away from indicating details of an end.

The Christmas Day Lakers-Warriors matchup saw LeBron James and co securing a close 115-113 win. In the aftermath of that, the star veteran was quoted as saying “It’s okay to think about retirement”, when he was referencing the previous remarks made by Stephen Curry. At the same time, the 39-year-old also added that “For us, we don’t know how many times we’re going to be able to have this match up uh. We don’t know how many times we’re going to be able to step on the floor. But, when we do, we try to give them a game, what they deserve. And, because it’s given us so much, we try to give it right back”.

How did NBA Fans react to LeBron James’ remark?

One social media user wrote, “Hate when LeBron talks about retirement bro I’ll never be ready for that day when it comes lol”.

From the last presser of the Lakers during the 2023-24 season till this point, retirement has been something that LeBron James has been speaking out on. Till now, the player has refused to give his fans an official timeline. After all, 31 players, in the NBA’s entire history, have played at a higher age than he currently holds. By November, LeBron James had revealed in a statement “I’m not going to play that much longer, to be completely honest”. He further added “One year, two years, whatever the case may be. I said the other night I’m not playing until the wheels fall off. I’m not”. Therefore, if fans were still not prepared for a retirement announcement, they should start doing so.

Another social media user wrote “Lebron talking about retirement in the postgame interview”. The commentor accompanied that statement with a few ‘broken hearts emojis’.

For many, the 4-time NBA champion was the player a majority of modern basketball fans grew up with. Since his debut season with the Cleveland Cavaliers back in 2003 to the 31 points he dropped during the recent Christmas Day game, the veteran has continued delivering from time to time. If anyone is placed consistently in the GOAT debate, alongside Michael Jordan, it is this person. Along with Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, LeBron James represents an era of the NBA that is slowly dying out. Therefore, the retirement announcement would figuratively break many hearts.

One individual went on to write that “LeBron James was the “protagonist” of the NBA for almost 20 years and now he’s old and near retirement so there’s nothing more to really talk about anymore.”

The classic ‘Don’t feel sad that it’s ending. Be glad that it happened’. A good sentiment to hold, especially knowing that no one can stop the inevitable. Fortunately, LeBron James does not mind the younger generation taking over now. During ESPN’s Christmas Special, alongside Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, the player stated “I don’t even look at it as like giving up the mantle, or anything like that. You know, we definitely are like fans of like the guys that’s coming up in the ranks and just doing great things. You know, we hope that we just have inspired them. So, you know, when we decide that we’re done, that they can keep this beautiful game going”.

One social media user wrote “I’m gonna cry fr when lebron james  retire that “BLOCK BY JAMES” was different”.

The veteran player knew how to make an impression not only on the offensive front but on the defensive side too. Long-time fans may very well remember the shot attempt, by Andre Iguodala, that LeBron effortlessly blocked during Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. The move even went down in history as ‘The Block’. Such iconic moments may be adopted by a new generation of stars now.

The retirement ‘indication’ sent one social media user into prediction mode. As a result, he wrote, “The NBA is Goona be in big trouble when LeBron James and Steph Curry retire, that’s for sure”.

This remark comes amidst reports of the league struggling to make a mark during the ongoing season. OutKick’s Clay Travis recently released a report on X, in which he revealed “NBA ratings are down 48% since 2012. Down 28% this year alone on ESPN. Every other sports league is setting ratings records. Total disaster”. The day that LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant are no longer playing, the reason for several people to watch the games might diminish.

Overall, the majority of reactions highlighted fans being sad in light of LeBron James’ remarks. If the player has to retire soon enough, fans might be hoping that he walks away with at least one more championship title. The recent win against the Warriors helps to bring the veteran a bit closer towards reaching the playoffs.