At 40 years old, LeBron James is preparing to return for another NBA season, potentially marking the final chapter in his storied career. The Los Angeles Lakers icon remains in excellent shape and is focused on concluding his LeBron James NBA career final season on a high note, whether as an elite All-NBA player or a champion.

LeBron has expressed awareness that his career is nearing its end, emphasizing his intention to maintain the high standards he has set throughout his time in the league. However, his journey contrasts with what many athletes experience when they are pushed out of the sport, as illustrated by the experiences of his former Miami Heat teammate Shane Battier.

The Difficult Reality Behind Forced Retirement in the NBA

Unlike LeBron James’ plan to decide his own timing, many players face a more painful exit from professional basketball. Battier, a two-time NBA champion, recalled the moment when it became clear Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra no longer considered him essential to the team’s success. Being benched during crucial fourth-quarter moments shattered his sense of identity and made him realize his playing days were numbered.

“When I was told without being told that our best chance of winning doesn’t include you, Shane. When Spo (coach Erik Spoelstra) started to sit me in the fourth quarter, nothing was worse to me than sitting me in crunch time. That was my identity. It hurt me to my core.” —Shane Battier, former NBA player

Battier described that final season as an agonizing experience, which he characterized as humiliating and emotionally devastating. The forced sidelining diminished his self-worth as a player and carried a deep personal sting.

The Mental and Emotional Toll of a Forced NBA Departure

The impact of a forced exit from professional sports runs far deeper than the physical aspect of retirement. Battier exposed the intense loneliness and depression he faced after his career unexpectedly ended. Struggling with isolation, he pushed away those closest to him, including his wife and children, as he grappled with a profound sense of loss.

“I shut people out. I was probably battling depression. I never had this feeling before. But feeling very isolated. I didn’t feel anyone understood what I was going through. I felt very alone, and I pushed people away. I pushed my wife away; I pushed my kids away. And I was just a jerk.” —Shane Battier, former NBA player

The 46-year-old former defensive specialist acknowledged that abruptly ending a 30-year basketball journey angered him and left him emotionally unavailable to his family. Battier further admitted that his struggles affected his early career outside the court when he took a role at ESPN. He recognized that his inability to adjust led him to leave that position prematurely, describing it as a mistake.

LeBron James’ Approach to Managing His Career’s End

In contrast to Battier’s painful exit, LeBron James appears determined to control how and when his NBA career concludes. The Lakers star frequently consults his family, particularly his wife Savannah James and their children, before making career decisions. This close family support system helps him evaluate both his desire to keep playing and their shared priorities.

LeBron has expressed that while his children support his continued play, Savannah strongly considers what is best for their family’s future. During a recent visit to New York, he mentioned that his wife’s perspective might influence his decision to retire after the 2025-26 NBA season.

This thoughtful approach highlights LeBron’s self-awareness, suggesting he may avoid the harsh forced retirement experience that so many athletes, such as Battier, have endured.

The Broader Significance of an Athlete’s Planned Departure

LeBron James’ pursuit of one last impactful season underscores a shift in how elite players handle the sunset of their careers. His intention to retire on his own terms, with the backing of his family, contrasts sharply with the uncertain and often humiliating endings faced by others. This contrast shines a light on the emotional and psychological challenges athletes face when transitioning away from professional sports.

As LeBron approaches what could be the final season of his legendary NBA journey, his experience may serve as an example of navigating retirement with dignity and self-determination. Meanwhile, stories like Shane Battier’s reveal the urgent need for better mental health support systems and transitional resources for players forced to leave the game under difficult circumstances.

LeBron’s potential exit will not only mark the end of an era in basketball but also could influence how future generations of athletes manage the closure of their own careers, emphasizing control, family support, and mental well-being.