ESPN wants to hire LeBron James as an analyst after he retires

[ASFN Admin]

For the third offseason in a row, people are wondering if LeBron James will continue his NBA career and how long he will continue to play in the league. While most expect him to be in uniform for the Los Angeles Lakers this fall, nothing could be considered a foregone conclusion with him until it is official.

The general expectation seems to be that next season could be the last season of his storied career. On the other hand, some feel that the chances of his son Bryce, who will play at the University of Arizona this fall, getting drafted in 2026 could entice him to stick around for at least one additional year.

Once the elder James does hang up his Nikes for good, he should have plenty of activities to keep him busy and happy. But if ESPN producer Tim Corrigan has his way, the future Hall of Famer would start a new career once his playing career ends.

Corrigan said that the network hopes to hire the elder James, or Stephen Curry or Chris Paul, as an analyst.

“We’re hopeful,” Corrigan said. “You talk about those two guys [James and Curry], besides their insane physical gifts and talents and all the work they’ve done, their basketball minds, we would all benefit from more exposure to that, right? And I would say somebody like Chris Paul, who did a little bit with us last year, coming in and jumping in the studio and doing all that, just to spend the time, to see how they see the game and feel the game and recognize, there’s so many stories about LeBron knowing the call the other team’s making and telling his guys on the court, ‘Here’s what they’re going to do’ based on who’s coming on the court. We would all benefit from that in live events and things like that. To have the mind of people who think that way and see that way and have studied the game as intently as he has.”

There is no indication that the elder James would be interested in such a role. However, in his role as the co-host of the "Mind the Game" podcast, first with now-Lakers head coach JJ Redick and later with Steve Nash, he has shown that he not only knows the game of basketball at a very high level but that he's capable of breaking down the game in a succinct and eloquent manner.

While many former pro athletes try their hand at broadcasting, few superstars have gone down that route. One exception is Charles Barkley, who has had an outstanding second career as a Turner Sports personality. In addition, legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady is now a color commentator for Fox's top broadcast team alongside play-by-play man Kevin Burkhardt.

The elder James currently has a $52.6 million player option for next season. While many have expected him to play out that option, insider Anthony Irwin reported that there is a real chance the 40-year-old turns it down and instead signs a new two-year deal.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: ESPN wants to hire LeBron James as an analyst after he retires

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