On Saturday, September 6, 2025, LeBron James further expanded his basketball legacy and list of accolades after becoming one of only two active players in NBA history to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame.
While the NBA usually waits for a player to retire before they are inducted into the Hall of Fame, they decided to make an exception for James and another player this year. The only other active player to achieve this is James’ close friend and Team USA teammate, Chris Paul.
Chris Paul and LeBron James played together for the 2008 Redeem Team, which was recognized at the Hall of Fame ceremony for their contributions to the growth of basketball in the country, and subsequently inducted into the Hall of Fame as a roster. The 2008 Redeem Team had iconic players like Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Dwight Howard, and more who were also recognized at the ceremony.
A few days after the ceremony, James posted a reaction on Instagram to this significant achievement.
“We In The Hall Baby!!!!! Ayyyyyyeeee “ wrote James in the caption of his post. He also shared it on his story and further added, “Still at the top of my game at the same time in the Hall of Fame.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/p:DOWXdOLjCHy
While James and Paul are now a part of the Hall of Fame already, they will likely still receive individual consideration at the time of their retirement. During the ceremony, James addressed the crowd and spoke about how crucial Kobe Bryant was to the successes of the Redeem Team.
Sue Bird and the owner of the Miami Heat also poked fun at James during the ceremony. While Bird recalled how Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James had planned their union in the Miami Heat from 2008 itself during the Olympics, the owner of the Miami Heat, Micky Arison, joked about how James did not deliver fully on his promise.
With retirement just around the corner for both these Hall of Famers, it seems like both Paul and James are inclined towards spending more time with their families. In a recent interview after the Hall of Fame induction, James was asked if he plans to coach after retiring.
“No…. No coaching for me,” James said as he laughed when asked. “I’ll inspire the game. I love the game. But I don’t have coaching in my future.”
In year 23 in the league and turning 41 in December, LeBron James is nearing his imminent retirement. Like the Clippers guard Chris Paul has announced he intends this to be his last season in the league, do you think the Lakers’ superstar would make a similar announcement to get a farewell tour? And if yes, when do you think he will make such an announcement? Let us know in the comments section.
