Tom Brady and Victor Wembanyama have major disagreement over Los Angeles Lakers veteran LeBron James' retirement

LeBron James’

retirement has been a topic of conversation for a few years now. It has recently sparked a debate between NFL legend Tom Brady and San Antonio Spurs’ superstar Victor Wembanyama.

In a rare convergence of athletic icons, LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Victor Wembanyama shared a stage at the 2025 Fanatics Fest for a special live episode of The Shop. When the conversation shifted to James’ retirement, it sparked an unexpected divide. While Brady pushed for LeBron to keep going, Wembanyama had a different forecast.

Tom Brady and Victor Wembanyama split on how much longer LeBron James should lead the Los Angeles Lakers

Even at 40, LeBron James is still delivering elite performances for the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists this past season.

But for the man who’s carried the NBA spotlight for over two decades, the question isn’t whether he can keep playing, it’s whether he should. Victor Wembanyama, the 21-year-old phenom from the San Antonio Spurs, didn’t hold back when asked about LeBron’s timeline. “You might retire after me,” Wembanyama joked, earning laughs from the audience. He later added a more realistic projection: “Two more years.” LeBron, sitting next to him, quipped in return, “The more and more time that I play, as long as Wemby keeps smacking my f***ing shots into the stands, it’s gonna make me retire.

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The playful back-and-forth has a subtle context. Truthfully, at his age, LeBron feels the weight of time, especially when faced with talents like Wemby. Still, he's shown little sign of actual decline, continuing to play at an astonishing level even as new stars rise to challenge him.Tom Brady, however, wasn’t on board with Wembanyama’s two-year window. The seven-time Super Bowl champion and longevity legend offered a different view: "He’s gotta make those records truly unbreakable," Brady said.

"He’s worked so hard for so many years, and if he can push himself a little more, his records will be secured forever."LeBron already holds the all-time scoring record with 42,184 points in the regular season, and over 50,000 points total, including playoffs. That’s uncharted territory in the NBA. He also boasts 21 All-Star selections, MVPs, and a staggering three-decade run of dominance. But Brady believes there’s still more to be done.“You’re witnessing the greatest ever, and I hope you all appreciate that,” Brady added. He also praised LeBron’s all-around career, saying, “LeBron has always done things the right way. Be it his MVP-winning stint in the Olympics in Paris or playing for different teams. That, in his opinion, sets LBJ apart.”Also Read: LeBron James shocks NBA world with explosive comeback clip weeks after MCL scareWhile James is expected to return next season on a short-term deal, he’s clearly approaching the finish line. "I can’t play that much further," he admitted, suggesting that the next few seasons may indeed be his last.