Former New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony was the most recent player of the 2003 NBA draft to retire. In 2023, Anthony announced his retirement from basketball after 19 years in the league. The only remaining player who’s active in the draft is Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James. In the 2025-26 season, he’ll play his 23rd campaign, which will be the most for any player across the association. Currently, he’s tied with former All-Star guard Vince Carter.
No one knows how long James will be able to keep playing. While he hasn’t shown significant signs of slowing down, there have been obvious hints. Over the past few seasons, the 2003 Rookie of the Year has missed significant time due to injury, which didn’t happen early in his career. But Father Time is gradually catching up to the Lakers superstar.
There are predictions that James will retire from the sport after his 23rd season since he didn’t sign a contract extension. Since James did not sign a contract extension, it is predicted that he will retire from the sport following his 23rd season. This offseason, he exercised his $52.6 million player option with the Lakers.
Over the weekend, the former New York Knicks star appeared as a guest on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” During his time on the show, Melo talked about his close friend and urged him to retire.
“He’s still going, it’s unbelievable, man. That’s my brother. We talk about being around, being together, being tied, being connected, being talked about since we were 17, 18… And for me to be entering the Hall of Fame, and for him, hopefully, to get his a** up out of there and come on over this side. Enough is enough. Give it a break,” the former 10-time All-Star said.
Fans need to wait for James to make a final decision on the future of his career.
Dwyane Wade congratulates the former New York Knicks star on his Hall of Fame induction
The legendary player for the New York Knicks was admitted into the James Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday, making him an immortal. His former rivals, friends, family, and fans joined him in celebrating his accomplishment.
Dwyane Wade, his close friend and fellow 2003 draftee, posted a heartfelt congratulations to Melo on his Instagram account.
“We celebrate and we salute you CHAMP! From the west side of B-More to the Hall of Fame! You were born to lose but built to win! It was an honor and privilege to present you into basketball heaven! STAYMELO,” Wade posted on the social media platform.
Wade was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023, and Melo’s former teammate, Allen Iverson, was his presenter.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
