LeBron James’ 6-Word Message On Chris Paul’s Retirement
Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul has confirmed that the 2025-2026 NBA season will be his lastwhich caused a flurry of messages sent in his direction. of them, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James he made sure to send his close friend a heartfelt message.
James’ retirement announcement was closely watched by many fans, but Paul beat him to it. James announced his immediate reaction on news on Instagram.
“SHOW GOD!!!” James wrote, via Dan Woike, for ‘The Athletic’. “It’s been one hell of a ride. (Salute emoji)”
James and Paul entered the 2025-2026 NBA season as the two oldest active players in the league. Both started opening weekend at the age of 40, with James’ birthday coming four months before Paul’s.
James and Paul were never teammates during their 21 seasons in the league together, but they remained close friends for decades. The only times they teamed up were at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, when both suited up for Team USA.
These two players have always been competitive rivals, but have never been directly pitted against each other. That changed when Paul decided to return to the Clippers in the offseason to go head-to-head with James’ Lakers.
The two players have remained close friends regardless and have spent several offseasons together over the years.
Paul’s imminent retirement makes James the last man standing the infamous ‘Banana Boat’ crew. The four-man team, which also includes Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony, was named after a vacation photo surfaced in 2015. Wade famously retired with the Miami Heat in 2019, while Anthony officially announced his decision to retire in 2023.
Paul’s decision to call it quits comes after 21 seasons in the NBA. James, who entered the league two years before him, is the only active player with more experience than him.
2025-11-22 21:16:00
