LeBron James Set to Announce Retirement Tour Before Final NBA Curtain Call
LOS ANGELES, CA — July 19, 2025
In a moment that basketball fans knew was coming—but still aren’t quite ready for—LeBron James, the 4-time NBA champion, 20-time All-Star, and the league’s all-time leading scorer, is preparing to take his final bow. According to sources close to the Lakers organization, LeBron is expected to formally announce a season-long retirement tour within the next two weeks, marking the 2025–26 campaign as his final season in the NBA.
The 40-year-old icon, who entered the league in 2003 straight out of St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, is reportedly working with both the NBA and Nike to coordinate what insiders are calling “The Final Crown” — a farewell season that will include celebratory moments in every NBA arena.
> “This isn’t just a goodbye,” said a Nike executive familiar with the plans. “It’s a global tribute to one of the greatest athletes of all time.”
A Legacy Like No Other
LeBron James’s résumé reads like mythology:
4× NBA Champion
4× NBA MVP
2× Olympic Gold Medalist
All-time leader in total points scored
Top 10 in assists, rebounds, steals, and minutes played
From Cleveland to Miami, back to Cleveland, and finally to Los Angeles, LeBron transformed every franchise he touched—bringing titles, hope, and a new standard of excellence.
He famously fulfilled a promise to bring a championship to his hometown Cavaliers in 2016, staging one of the greatest comebacks in NBA history in the Finals against a record-setting Golden State Warriors team. And in 2020, amid a pandemic-stricken season, he led the Lakers to their 17th championship inside the Orlando “bubble.”
“The Final Crown” Farewell Tour
LeBron’s farewell season will not only feature ceremonies in each NBA arena but also a rotating cast of tributes from past teammates, rivals, coaches, and celebrities who were impacted by his 22-year career. Plans include:
A documentary series chronicling each stop on the tour
Limited-edition “Final Crown” Nike sneakers released monthly
Exclusive pre-game ceremonies in Cleveland, Miami, and Los Angeles
An All-Star Game halftime tribute led by Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, and Carmelo Anthony
Fans will also be able to submit personal stories and video messages via a dedicated “Thank You, Bron” platform launching in August.
> “This is more than basketball,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “LeBron’s farewell is a cultural moment. A generation grew up watching him—and now they’ll watch him say goodbye.”
What’s Next for the King?
While retirement from the court is looming, LeBron has made it clear he’s not stepping away from the spotlight entirely. His SpringHill Company continues to expand into film, television, and sports media. He’s also heavily involved in philanthropy, particularly the I PROMISE School in Akron, Ohio.
And, of course, there’s still speculation about one final, full-circle moment: teaming up with his son Bronny James, who was drafted by the Lakers earlier this summer. League insiders say LeBron intends to suit up alongside Bronny for at least part of the season.
> “It’s the dream,” LeBron said in a brief ESPN interview last month. “I’ve given everything to this game. To finish it sharing the floor with my son? That would be the ultimate crown.”
As the curtain begins to close, one thing is certain: LeBron James isn’t just leaving the NBA—he’s leaving a legacy that will echo for generations. The farewell tour is not just an ending. It’s a celebration of dominance, influence, and greatness that reshaped the game of basketball forever.
The King’s final season begins this October. The world will be watching. 👑
