Subscribe
Follow Us
Mark Cuban, the Dallas Mavericks' minority owner, stirred the pot recently by suggesting that Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James should consider retirement. This assertion surprised many fans, especially given James' impressive performance as he approaches his 40th birthday. Cuban’s comments, made during a lighthearted chat with TMZ Sports, come from a place of competitive rivalry rather than the typical concerns about age or declining performance, TMZ reports.
Cuban humorously urged James to step away from the game, citing the Lakers star's continued dominance as the real reason for his retirement plea. “Yes, LeBron. It's time for you to quit,” Cuban remarked, playfully acknowledging the challenge James poses to the Mavericks. He emphasized, “I'm tired of you … only 'cause he's still so good. He's on the Lakers, they're our rivals. So, it's time to retire, LeBron.” This comment underscores the competitive nature of the NBA, where even a hint of a rival's retirement can become a topic of discussion, especially when that player still delivers exceptional performances on the court.
Despite Cuban's jest, there's undeniable truth behind his words. In the previous 2023-24 season, LeBron averaged an impressive 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, demonstrating that he remains a formidable force even as he nears the end of his illustrious career. The Mavericks may face tougher competition within the Western Conference, but having to contend with a still-potent James makes the idea of his retirement appealing from a strategic standpoint.
Future Business Ventures and Partnerships for Cuban
Article Continues Below
Cuban’s remarks also tap into a broader narrative about LeBron's legacy and potential business ventures. Recently, the Lakers forward signed a two-year, $104 million contract that will not only keep him in Los Angeles but also allow him to make history alongside his eldest son, Bronny. The prospect of seeing the first father-son duo in the NBA adds another layer to James' career, prompting discussions about his eventual transition into post-playing business opportunities.
Interestingly, Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal recently hinted at a potential partnership with Cuban and James for an NBA expansion team. While O’Neal once considered purchasing the Phoenix Suns, he backed away when Mat Ishbia took over. Now, he appears open to exploring opportunities that include joining forces with Mark Cuban and James. During an episode of “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” O’Neal shared that Cuban expressed enthusiasm for the idea.
Cuban has hinted at a willingness to join O’Neal and James in such an endeavor after selling his majority stake in the Mavericks. “I’d have to make it okay with my current partners, but, yeah, if my kids were like, ‘All right, we’re set,’ and it was Shaq, f**k yeah. I would look at making a comeback,” Cuban remarked. The collaboration between these three basketball icons could lead to exciting developments in the NBA landscape, particularly with Cuban’s business acumen and O’Neal’s charisma.
As LeBron continues to challenge the boundaries of age and performance, discussions about his future—both on and off the court—remain at the forefront. Whether Cuban is simply joking or genuinely believes James should consider retirement, one thing is clear: the ongoing rivalry between the Mavericks and Lakers will only add fuel to the fire as the NBA season unfolds.
