Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

LeBron James Reacts to Retirement Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Nov 22, 2025 1:28 PM ET

No player in NBA history can rival the longevity and sustained excellence of LeBron James. Across two decades, he has built a résumé featuring four MVPs, four championships and 21 All-NBA selections, cementing his place among the sport’s greatest legends. Now in his 23rd season, James continues to defy age, returning from a sciatica issue to make his season debut against the Utah Jazz, looking sharp as ever. He finished with 11 points and 12 assists, showcasing the playmaking and command that have defined his career.

Chris Paul is one of the few peers who can nearly match that longevity. Drafted in 2005, he entered his 21st NBA season this fall — and now, he is approaching the end of the road.

Former San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3).© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Clippers guard officially announced that the 2025-26 campaign will be his final season, confirming he expects to retire after completing his 21-year NBA run.

In a reflective message shared to Instagram, Paul wrote: “Back in NC!!! What a ride… Still so much left… GRATEFUL for this last one!!”

The announcement immediately sparked tributes across the league, including from one of his closest contemporaries. Shortly after Paul’s post, James posted a photo of Paul to his Instagram stories with a simple, heartfelt message:

“Point God!!! Been a helluva ride.”

Paul’s career remains one of the most accomplished of his generation. He is a 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA selection and nine-time All-Defensive honoree. He also ranks second all-time in both assists and steals, trailing only John Stockton, and will close his career as one of the most influential point guards in league history.

Meanwhile, James has yet to announce a retirement timeline of his own, though he has repeatedly hinted in recent months that the end of his career is approaching. His future is one of the league’s biggest unanswered questions, especially with James playing in the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. As Paul prepares for his farewell season, the spotlight will continue to follow James with growing speculation surrounding his eventual exit from the NBA.

The Lakers are back in action at 8 p.m. ET Sunday at the Utah Jazz.

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

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