LeBron James is still putting up All-Star numbers at 40 years old, but not everyone is here for the King’s longevity flex. Former NBA big man Olden Polynice thinks it’s time for the legend to hang it up, and he’s not exactly sugarcoating it.
On a recent episode of Byron Scott’s Fast Break podcast, Olden Polynice made it clear he doesn’t understand why LeBron James is still lacing up his sneakers. “The longevity aspect, I think it’s getting a little bit too much now,” Polynice said. “Because I’m like, dude, what else you want to do? It’s time for you to start thinking about retiring.” But wait, it gets spicier. Polynice didn’t stop at questioning LeBron’s motives. He went full steam ahead, casting doubt on whether James can ever hoist another Larry O’Brien trophy. “He ain’t getting no fifth ring unless he buys one,” Polynice said. “It ain’t happening.”
That’s a bold statement about a guy who just averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game in his 21st season. For context, most players are washed by year 15, if they even make it that far. But LeBron? He’s still putting defenders in spin cycles, dropping dimes like it’s 2013, and making All-NBA teams. In 2024-25, he was named to the All-NBA Second Team. That’s not retirement-level basketball, that’s still-top-15-in-the-league basketball.
LeBron James Still Puts up Superstar Numbers in the NBA
Sure, the Lakers got bounced in the first round by Anthony Edwards and his Timberwolves, but LeBron James was hardly the problem. The midseason acquisition of Luka Doncic showed L.A. is still trying to win now, not plan for a rebuild. If GM Rob Pelinka can find a quality starting center and some wing defenders this offseason, this team could go from playoff bust to Finals hopeful.
And yes, Olden Polynice may have a point, LeBron James getting a fifth ring won’t be easy. The West is stacked. Denver, Minnesota, OKC, and now even San Antonio with Wemby are all hungry. But write off LeBron at your own risk. We’ve seen this movie before, and he’s got four rings to prove it.
Still, even with the impressive stats and impact, there’s no denying the end is creeping closer. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the 2025-26 season could be LeBron’s last. “Year 23 for No. 23. They have the All-Star weekend in Los Angeles,” Charania said. “So, to me, it’s very storybook if that’s the way it goes. But that’s a decision that he’s gotta make.” Storybook ending? Possibly. But hold on, there might be one more chapter.
What Else Does LBJ Want To Accomplish?
LeBron has made it crystal clear that playing with his sons is at the top of his bucket list. He already checked the box with Bronny, whom the Lakers drafted 55th overall in 2024. LeBron called it the greatest accomplishment of his career. And if Bryce makes it into the league in 2026, could LeBron resist sticking around to make NBA history again?
That’s the million-dollar (or, in this case, $52.6 million) question. Charania reports that LeBron is expected to opt into his massive player option for next season, but the fact that there’s no multi-year extension in sight does hint that the end might be near.
So, is Polynice right? Maybe. Maybe not. LeBron might not get ring number five. But as long as he’s still hooping like one of the best players in the world, who are we to tell him to stop? And let’s be real, if he does get that fifth ring, Olden Polynice might want to go ahead and delete that podcast clip.
Emma Taylor 
