After 22 years in the NBA, LeBron James is closer than he’s ever been to finishing his basketball career. With some big decisions to make this summer, only LeBron knows what the future has in store but ESPN hopes to get involved once James finally steps away. According to one report on the situation, the network plans to offer King James a lucrative media contract at the end of his final season.
“We’re hopeful,” said ESPN producer ESPN NBA producer Tim Corrigan in a chat with The Athletic. “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.”
Many former players have made the leap to the NBA media, including legends such as Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Dwyane Wade, Kendrick Perkins, JJ Redick, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett. Even Michael Jordan has joined the media after recently signing a contract with NBC to provide exclusive coverage.
In the case of LeBron James, it makes sense why ESPN has such a strong desire for his commitment. Besides his fame, status, and decades of experience, LeBron has a certain awareness of the game that would make him uniquely gifted at covering the sport. His mental approach and understanding of the game would provide the fans with a unique perspective and give the fans a deeper knowledge of the sport.
Of course, we’re already getting a taste of LeBron’s coverage with his ‘Mind the Game’ podcast. In that show, LeBron has talked about countless topics, ranging from his career to the status of the league itself. He has also used the platform to challenge the current trends of the NBA media, and blasting reports who prioritize stirring up drama over celebrating the game.
If he were to join the ESPN family, we can expect LeBron to set a different example. Rather than treating the league like a soap opera, and being negative about the product, he will be giving the fans a more tactical analysis of the game as he shows appreciation and support to the players who succeed.
LeBron as a regular media member is something fans would love to see but nobody knows how likely it is. While ESPN may want him, LeBron doesn’t seem particularly interested and he has not yet announced any retirement plans. For now, his role will remain as a player and he’ll leave the talking to when he’s with Steve Nash on ‘Mind the Game.’
