While many speculate LeBron James may transition into coaching post-retirement, he admits he may lack the patience required for the role.
Many deem Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James to be a combination of a coach and player on the floor. This has led to many speculations that once he retires as a player, he’ll become the head coach of an NBA team. However, LeBron himself does not feel the same way. He doesn’t believe he has one of the most important traits that a coach should have.
James said no to coaching
David Fizdale, a former assistant with the Miami Heat, declared that once James’ career is over, the man will not coach because he doesn’t have patience. LeBron was made aware of Fizdale’s comments and nodded his head in agreement.
“He’s a little right,” James said, per the Akron Beacon Journal via FanSided. “You’ve got to be very patient as a coach. I don’t think I have that much patience. Not that much.”
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich once said that he knew it was over for the NBA when he saw LeBron, in his first stint with Cleveland, start calling out the plays of the opposing team. That’s when he knew that James had already understood one of the basics of the Art of War: knowing your enemy.
Maybe LeBron will change his mind in the future
LeBron made the comments back in 2017, so is it possible that he has changed his mind over the course of six years? He has been spotted a couple of times coaching his sons’ games. Before, he was just giving the players individual advice, but over the last couple of months, James has been seen drawing up plays for the entire team and giving them specific instructions. James seems adept at being along the sidelines.
James has a player option in his contract for the 2024-25 NBA season. As of now, there are no rumors if he plans to exercise it or not. So there’s a possibility that the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season will be his last before he retires.
Once he does retire from professional ball, what would James do? Will he ride off into the sunset and enjoy the rest of his life with his family? Or will he remain in the limelight, particularly in basketball? It’s a matter of wait-and-see. But most fans would probably want King James to become a head coach or at least have a role in an organization.
