There’s a kryptonite that could force LeBron James into retirement! The 39-year-old superstar is gearing up for his 22nd NBA season, on par with the most seasons ever played by an individual. Looking at the fitness level and his undying hunger for success, it doesn’t look like this journey will end anytime soon. Notably, a month ago, King James lit up the Paris Olympics with an MVP-winning performance. However, the legendary career ‘might’ end sooner than we expect for a particular reason, as per a former hooper.

The retirement talk around King James isn’t a new affair. It has been around him ever since he crossed the 35-year-old mark. Nevertheless, the Chosen One hasn’t made a definitive statement yet and always kept the media in the loop. A few months ago, during the 2024 All-Star game, he made his last statement regarding his departure. King James said, “I don’t know how it’s going to end, but it’s coming. It’s coming, for sure… I have not mapped out how many seasons I have left. I know it’s not that many.” 

While LeBron James doesn’t know “how” his career is going to end, Gilbert Arenas has taken the initiative and predicted it. And it has something to do with an upcoming big change in the league. The former hooper and this podcast crew discussed the superstar’s next chapter as a franchise owner. Importantly, James had publicly expressed his wish to own a franchise, preferably in Las Vegas. Amid that discussion, Arenas had a lightbulb moment.

The 3x All-Star said, “This kind of gives us a timeline of when we think LeBron James is going to retire because it has to make sense of when that team will be built.” Arenas not only dropped a potential for his retirement but also the time.

On Gil’s Arena, he continued, “He can’t play and own it, so he’s going to have to be done to own that team. So if the team is going to be built and be ready by the summer of 2026, then that will be his last year.” Now, we have a perspective on LeBron James’ possible retirement. But, the question is, does it align with other happenings across the league?

With LeBron James’ dream on one hand, is Adam Silver’s NBA vision about the extension next on the cards?

Just like LeBron James’ retirement, the league expansion has also been in the NBA conversations for a long time. Interestingly. Adam Silver even revealed that there could be two teams if there’s any expansion. He even listed Seattle and Las Vegas as the most preferred destination. However, the 62-year-old followed it up by stating that the league would focus on it only after cracking the media deal.

Now that the league has signed a multi-billion dollar broadcasting deal, Adam Silver is again answerable for the much-awaited league expansion. And fortunate enough for the fans, the Commissioner had spoken about it in this week’s NBA Board of Governors meeting. He added that the expansion plan is still on the cards, but also clarified, “We’re not quite ready. ” However, Silver added a positive statement saying that it will be discussed again at some point during the upcoming season.

This statement was definitely a blessing in disguise. Just like Gilbert Arenas pointed out, as long as Adam Silver delays to expand the league, we’ll see Bron in action. So, when do you think we will witness new franchises in the league? Let us know in the comments.