Lou thinks LeBron will play one year with Bronny before retiring from the NBA.

Lakers Video: Lou Williams Calls LeBron James Greatest Of All Time

Since the conclusion of the 2022-23 season, LeBron James has been teasing retirement, leading to speculation about his final rodeo in the NBA.

After finishing his 21st season, looking closer to age 30 than 40, James is convincing us that he can play another decade. However, former Los Angeles Clippers star Lou Williams thinks the end is near for the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.

During an episode of FanDuel TV’s Run It Back show, Williams suggested that next season will be James’ final sprint in the association.

“I’m buying it, I’m buying it because the Lakers will probably draft Bronny with one of their three picks, that’s going to feed the beast where he wanted to play with his son… I’ve seen this movie before; I played with Kobe in his last year. He started that season off dead serious. He was prepared to compete, realized that his body wasn’t going to give him everything that he wanted, and it turned into a farewell tour,” Williams said.

Although Lou uses Kobe Bryant as an example, he may not have considered the vast differences between James and Bryant at an advanced stage of their career. Though Kobe stuck around for 20 seasons, his body started to betray him in Year 17. James, meanwhile, has been shockingly durable for the most part.

If No. 23 does choose to say goodbye after next season, injury will most likely not be the reason why. James has previously cited overall mental fatigue as more of a factor in contemplating retirement. However, if L.A. can rekindle the roster to be in the race for a title next season, we can expect James to stay fresh and energized throughout his 22nd campaign.

How Bronny will weigh into LeBron’s retirement

James has nothing left in his career to accomplish other than playing with the younger James. Lucky for him, that scenario seems more likely by the day.

On the first day of this year’s draft combine, Bronny did not disappoint. Scouts were impressed with his athleticism during scrimmages. He hit open shots, played solid defense, and checked many boxes.

James Jr. made additional headlines after Lakers Vice President Rob Pelinka was seen watching him during the combine—Bronny’s performance significantly boosted his draft stock.

With the 19-year-old expected to enter the 2024 NBA draft, numerous reports hinted that there is a possibility the Lakers will select LeBron’s firstborn. Meanwhile, James also has decisions to make this summer. He can potentially enter free agency if he declines his option. However, the odds of him standing pat remain high, especially if Bronny winds up in L.A.

Lou also picks LeBron as his GOAT

The fact that a nearly 40-year-old James is still healthy and good enough to potentially get the opportunity to play with Bronny is a testament to his greatness.

Many cite James’ longevity and sustained greatness over the past two decades as the main reason for The Chosen One’s GOAT case, and it seems Williams also belongs in that company. Despite spending a few seasons on the L.A. Clippers—the Lakers’ inner-town rivals—Lou gave James the ultimate compliment.

“Of all-time, the greatest of all-time. Give him his flowers. I’ve said it; I’m standing on it,” the retired guard said.

The only way for James to bolster his GOAT case is by winning another title. And while the Lakers might not be the best place for LeBron to do it, the superstar forward might prioritize playing with his son and staying in L.A.