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LeBron James Gives Final Answer on if He'll Coach Basketball in the Future

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Ettinger | Last updated Sep 18, 2025 9:21 AM ET

LeBron James is getting prepared to play in a record-breaking season No. 23 in the NBA. At 40 years old, he hasn’t appeared to have lost a step. As James has progressed through his incredible basketball career on the court, he has become an ambassador of the game off the court as well.

In early September, Nike released an ad campaign featuring James, coinciding with his upcoming sneaker release, the Nike LeBron 23, and his “Nike Forever King Tour.“ James’ appearance in China took place to celebrate 20 years since his first Nike tour of Asia.

Does LeBron James Plan on Coaching in the Future?

While in China, James sat down for an interview with CCTV. During the sit-down conversation, James was asked if he wants to coach basketball in the future. James instantly gave a definitive answer.

"No! No, no, no, no. No coaching for me. No, no, no. I'll inspire the game. I love the game. But I don't have coaching in my future," James said demonstratively.

James, as pictured above, has spent time coaching young players at basketball camps and special events, but it appears James has no interest in becoming a full-time coach whenever the post-playing part of his career comes around.

During his tour in China, James looked to connect and inspire basketball fans through the Nike RISE program. This was James' fifteenth trip to China with Nike, highlighting his commitment to the game’s growth in Asia.

On the court, the 40-year-old superstar hasn’t had much of a drop off statistically, however, he did post the lowest scoring average of his career (last season) since his rookie season (24.4 points per game). He still averaged 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game though while playing 34.9 minutes per game in 70 total games in the regular season.

Season No. 23 will officially get under way for James on Tuesday, Oct. 21. James, Luka Doncic, and the Lakers are set to take on Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors at 10 p.m. ET on opening night of the season on NBC and Peacock.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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