"When I retire from league" - LeBron James uses Monte Harrison's move to poke fun at his post-retirement plan
The prospect of LeBron James retiring is getting closer, despite him signing a two-year extension with the LA Lakers this offseason. The King humorously addressed his post-retirement plans by sharing an Instagram post about Monte Harrison, a 28-year-old former MLB player transitioning to college football.
Harrison, who previously played as an outfielder for the Miami Marlins and LA Angels, is heading to the University of Arkansas to become a 29-year-old freshman wide receiver for the Razorbacks. Harrison participated in 50 major league games from 2020 to 2022.
LeBron James commented on ESPN’s post about Harrison’s story, saying:
“Me when I retire from the league! Haha!”
LeBron has been dropping hints about retirement ever since the Lakers were swept by the Denver Nuggets in the 2022-23 playoffs.
Before that season, he had inked a two-year extension with the Lakers, which included a player option for the 2024-25 season.
He has now opted out of that deal and signed a new two-year contract with the Lakers, which also features a player option for the 2025-26 season.
This year, he will get to play alongside his son, Bronny James—a long-time dream of his. LeBron will be turning 40 this December.
Will LeBron James try football after NBA retirement?
Although LeBron James’ social media posts about transitioning to football might come across as humorous, he is indeed a multi-sport athlete with a history in football.
During the 2011 NBA lockout, which paused the basketball season, LeBron seriously considered a career in professional football. He disclosed that he had received tryout offers from both the Dallas Cowboys and the Seattle Seahawks.
In a 2021 interview with The Athletic, James expressed confidence in his potential success in the NFL, saying,
"I would have tried out, but I would have made the team. One thing about it, I don't mind working for something, so if I would have had to try out for the Cowboys or the Seahawks, or if I'd have stayed home and went back home to Cleveland, I'd have tried [out], but I would have made the team.”
James, besides his basketball accomplishments, was also a standout wide receiver for St. Vincent–St. Mary’s football team. He gained first-team all-state honors during his sophomore year and led the Fighting Irish to the state semifinals in his junior year.
However, a wrist injury sustained in his senior year during an AAU basketball game halted his high school football career.