Overview
- Barkley told The Jim Rome Show he hopes James leaves "sooner than later," citing discomfort with seeing great players "struggling."
- He referenced his own difficult final seasons and said "father time is always gonna win," advocating a farewell tour before walking away.
- James has yet to appear this season due to a right sciatica issue and is expected to be re‑evaluated this week, with no formal return date announced.
- Despite the debate, James posted 2024–25 averages of 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds, earned second‑team All‑NBA, and finished sixth in MVP voting.
- James has not announced retirement plans; at media day he acknowledged his career’s end is near and said he does not intend to wait for his son Bryce to reach the NBA.