Rich Paul Drops Major LeBron James Retirement Hint After Lakers Take 2-0 Lead

LeBron James (Image Credits: Imagn)

Rich Paul Drops Major LeBron James Retirement Hint After Lakers Take 2-0 Lead

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Afshan Khan | Last updated Apr 22, 2026 6:46 PM ET

As the postseason approached, all eyes were on LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. With injuries to key players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves casting doubt on the team’s playoff hopes, many questioned whether the four-time NBA champion could rise to the occasion.

Critics speculated that the Lakers might face another first-round exit. However, in an unexpected twist, Luke Kennard stepped up as the unlikely hero, and under James’ leadership, the Lakers notched two impressive victories against the Houston Rockets.

While the team’s success has gained widespread praise, LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, took things up a notch during a recent appearance on the Game Over Podcast, revealing interesting hints about the King’s retirement plans.

“LeBron could play 5 more years. He could play at least 28 years in the NBA. Now, I personally think he should play 25 years. He definitely has at least two more years in him. I’m not so sure that the people, fans, we should be sitting here trying to push him out the league,” Paul said.

Rich Paul says LeBron ‘definitely’ has two more years in him

“LeBron could play 5 more years. He could play at least 28 years in the NBA. Now, I personally think he should play 25 years. He definitely has at least two more years in him. I’m not so sure that the people, fans,… https://t.co/JOuvqFbarc pic.twitter.com/bOFRpckil1
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) April 22, 2026

James’ longevity in the NBA is already legendary, and if he adds two more seasons, he could shatter even more records and further cement his legacy. Conversations about his future have become a hot topic, especially after reports of tension with Lakers governor Jeanie Buss this season.

Trade rumors are swirling, suggesting he might leave the franchise after this year. Speculations are growing about a potential reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers, while others are dreaming of a formidable duo with Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors.

Brian Windhorst — LeBron James back to 2006-level play

Despite the swirling rumors about his future in the league, the Lakers’ leader is laser-focused on the playoffs. With a history of singlehandedly driving his teams to victory, it looks like this 41-year-old superstar still has the spark. As Brian Windhorst noted in a recent SportsCenter interview, LeBron looks just like he did back in 2006.

“This looked like a throwback game in 2006 where LeBron is playing in a rock fight playoff game. Carrying, not being able to shoot the ball great but manufacturing points… This was like LeBron in 2006 except instead of being 21, he’s 41! I’m not seeing ton of difference in the way he’s playing,” Windhorst said.

Brian Windhorst says LeBron looks like he did back in 2006:

“This looked like a throwback game in 2006 where LeBron is playing in a rock fight playoff game. Carrying, not being able to shoot the ball great but manufacturing points… This was like LeBron in 2006 except instead of… pic.twitter.com/CcIqBvmWm4
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) April 22, 2026

The Lakers are currently 2-0 in the first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. Their Game 3 will start on 24th April at 8:00 PM EDT at the Toyota Center.

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

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