The emotional return to the Cleveland Cavaliers brought tears to LeBron James’ eyes. It once again raised the question: Is it the last time for King James at the Rocket Arena? While the answer to this is not straightforward, there is an idea about how 41-year-olds plan for a retirement tour.

Earlier in the day, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that LeBron James does not necessarily want a retirement tour. “I’ve had people close to him tell me that he’s not necessarily interested in a retirement tour because that could bring some negativity with it if, all of a sudden, his body doesn’t cooperate, he goes to a city, everybody buys tickets, and he is unable to play.”

The main reason, according to the report, for not having a retirement tour is the uncertainty of the 4x champ being available for those games. Mainly, King James “doesn’t want to have that disappointment following him.” Not putting a pin in the plan is one way of approaching retirement. It’s the opposite of how Kobe Bryant, and more recently, his close friend Dwyane Wade, made their decisions.

The 2018-19 NBA season was the “One Last Dance” tour, where D-Wade’s sixteenth season in the league was celebrated even in opposing arenas. The Heat legend exchanged jerseys, received accolades, and bid his final goodbye to the hardwood. But this thought has not crossed LeBron James‘ mind yet.

“I have not even thought to the point of a farewell tour, or whatever the case may be, because I haven’t had the conversation with myself and my family on when is it over,” James said post-game. The 21-time All-Star also noted that there is “no way he could have foreseen” that his career would still be ongoing in 2026, eight years after joining the Lakers. So, he is soaking in every moment as his last, including the one at the Rocket Arena.

“I haven’t made a decision on the future, but very well could be (about his final game in Cleveland). So, you know, no matter if it’s here or, you know, going to Washington, playing the next game, Garden, you know, on this trip. So, obviously, it means a little bit more here for me personally because I grew up  35 minutes south of here.” Even though retirement is not on his mind, recovery and progress this season take precedence, leaving an old habit behind.

Wheels are in motion to not disrupt LeBron James’ historic 23rd season

James, averaging 22 points along with 5.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists this season, continues to show up out of a deep sense of responsibility to the game. Sciatica caused him to miss the preseason and the first 14 regular-season games. Despite this, the 4x MVP remains committed to giving everything, even if that means letting go of some comfort. King James reportedly doesn’t sip on wine or a Lobos tequila while focusing on his conditioning anymore.

“While James is eight years older, he has shown a similar commitment to this season’s Lakers team, sources said. He missed the first 14 games because of sciatica. But James stopped drinking alcohol during his rehab, and he has slimmed down considerably, hoping to take pressure off his back and joints and to ‘keep up with the young guys,’ he said,” ESPN reported.

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Having a glass of red at the end of the day was routine for LeBron. It was also visible during his Mind the Game podcast. A change of habit at 41 may seem odd, but Bron did it, and he’s reaping the rewards. Since making a recovery, James has appeared in 28 of the Lakers’ 31 games. Whatever the decision for next year is, that’s for the future. But he is not letting that hamper his current season while soaking in the love from the fans.