“It Ends Badly”: Charles Barkley Warns LeBron James of Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing’s Fate

It seems like every year now, when the Lakers’ season ends, questions about LeBron James’ retirement come out of the grave. But averaging over 25 points even at the age of thirty-nine, he has somehow continued to defy Father Time, unlike most superstars who reach this stage of their career. However, LeBron continuously keeps saying his days in the NBA are numbered despite him still playing at a high level. And Hall of Famer Charles Barkley warns LeBron to take that decision sooner rather than later, reminding him of the fate of legends like Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing.

During a recent appearance on a radio show, Barkley was asked about LeBron’s potential retirement, to which he replied, “I hope he retires while he can still play. I saw Michael Jordan [play] with the [Washington] Wizards and it was not pretty. I saw Patrick Ewing with the Orlando Magic. I would love to see [LeBron James] retire sooner rather than later…because it ends badly when you keep on playing.”

Charles Barkley wants to see LeBron James retire ‘sooner rather than later

“I hope he retires while he can still play,” Barkley said. “I saw Michael Jordan [play] with the [Washington] Wizards and it was not pretty. I saw Patrick Ewing with the Orlando Magic. I would love to see… pic.twitter.com/5JONDFUF2e

— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BasketballOnX) May 2, 2024

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Yes, on paper, MJ played all eighty-two games in his final season with the Wizards and averaged twenty points, and even made the All-Star team. Nevertheless, he retired twice in between his career, which likely helped him play till the age of forty. Moreover, he was no longer contending for a Championship like his days in Chicago. Meanwhile, Ewing had a rougher end to his career, averaging just six points in the Magic uniform and starting in only four of the 82 games. It was not easy for fans who witnessed Ewing dominate in the Knicks colours during his prime to now watch him struggle in Orlando in the final stage of his career.

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LeBron also has an image of dominance in everyone’s mind for over two decades, and Barkley believes he should hang his boots while people still have that final image of him.

What are LeBron James’ thoughts on his retirement?While Charles Barkley wants LeBron to retire before things get ugly, James’ agent and close friend Rich Paul believes he has a few more years left in him. Because after the Lakers got eliminated by the Nuggets, Paul said, “I think we do see him next year.” Although Paul wasn’t sure how long LeBron can continue playing, he claimed it could be at least two to three years before he decides to move on to the next chapter of his life.

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Meanwhile, LeBron understands that he might be very close to making the dreaded decision and said this about how long he has left in the league, “Not very long… I’m on the other side, obviously, of the hill. So, I’m not going to play another 21 years, that’s for damn sure. But not very long. I don’t know what or when that door will close as far as when I retire, but I don’t have much time left.”

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Maybe, LeBron is waiting for one last Championship run to end his career on a high note, or for an opportunity to play alongside his son Bronny James who will likely get drafted this summer. Whatever the case, we should enjoy whatever we are getting from the King on the court because certainly, it is not going to last very long. Soon now, LeBron might announce a farewell tour, giving the fans a chance to witness his greatness one last time.