LeBron James doesn't want a retirement tour for one simple reason

Lakers forward LeBron James has been a top-10 NBA player for 23 consecutive years. In most of those years, he was either the best or one of the three best players on Earth.

Even so, all good things ultimately come to an end, and his legendary career won't be the exception to that rule. It certainly seemed that the end was near when he teared up after watching yet another tribute video in his latest visit to Cleveland. It was the eighth tribute video he's gotten from the Cavaliers, but this felt different.

LeBron James may not get a retirement tour

James deserves to be celebrated. However, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported that it may not happen. Apparently, James is not so sure about getting a farewell tour.

"I’ve had people close to him tell me that he’s not necessarily interested in a retirement tour because that could bring some negativity with it if, all of a sudden, his body doesn’t cooperate, he goes to a city, everybody buys tickets, and he is unable to play," McMenamin said, per Fullcourtpass.

When asked whether that would be his final visit to Cleveland or if he wanted a farewell tour, the four-time NBA champion was noncommittal. He's taking things one game at a time, and that's a bridge he'll have to cross once he gets there.

"Obviously, the question gets asked more and the thought creeps in my mind more at 41 years old of when the end is and where's the finish line for us to hang this thing up," James said postgame. "But the drive is how much, like, juice I can squeeze out of this orange. ... I'm in a battle with Father Time and I'm taking it personal, and I am going to see how many more times I [can] be victorious over him."

James has accomplished more than most professional athletes, and there's nothing left to prove at this point. He was the face of the best basketball league in the world for over two decades, and he's earned the right to walk away on his own terms.