Stephen A. Smith believes LeBron James should not retire and remains a top-20 NBA player, a key addition for the Philadelphia 76ers' championship ambitions. The 41-year-old James, now in his 24th season, signed with the 76ers to chase another ring alongside Joel Embiid after posting 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game for the Lakers last year.
Stephen A. Smith was asked directly if LeBron James is pushing his luck by playing another season. His answer was clear. "No, I don't think he's going too far," Smith stated. "I think that he just finished averaging 20 a night."
Smith's endorsement comes despite a sometimes contentious history with the superstar. He views James's continued production as legitimate, not a far-fetched idea for a player of his age. The numbers back up the claim. Appearing in 60 games last season, James put up a stat line that would be impressive for a player in their prime, let alone one in their 40s.
Smith didn't mince words about James's value to his new team. "I view LeBron James as a key piece to the Philadelphia 76ers potentially winning the title," he said. "If he wasn't there, I wouldn't have them as high as I have them." This highlights the immediate impact expected from the future Hall of Famer.
His role alongside MVP center Joel Embiid creates one of the most formidable duos in the league. James's playmaking, scoring, and basketball IQ are seen as the missing ingredients for a deep playoff run.
LeBron James is entering rare air for NBA longevity. Nat Hickey holds the record for oldest player, appearing in a game at 45 back in 1948. In the modern era, Kevin Willis played until 44, and Vince Carter had a legendary 22-year career that stretched into his 40s.
Other all-time greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Robert Parish, and John Stockton also maintained high levels of play long after most players retire. James's ability to average 20 points per game at 41 places him firmly in this historic company. His physical conditioning and basketball smarts suggest he could, as the source notes, "continue until he's 50 if his body holds up."
The 76ers are integrating LeBron James during a challenging period. Their playoff run in 2026 ended with a series of difficult losses to the New York Knicks.
Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
The addition of LeBron James changes the entire outlook for the franchise. While retirement speculation will follow him all season, his current performance silences the doubters. For the Philadelphia 76ers, the focus isn't on when he'll stop, but on how far he can take them now.
