LeBron James has played 22 seasons in the NBA, so he probably only has one or two more years left in the tank.
James has many other interests besides basketball, from his entertainment business, SpringHill Company, to investment in Liverpool FC and Blaze Pizza.
But his love for the game runs so deep that it’s hard to imagine him not being involved in the NBA in some capacity when he retires.
There has been talk of the 40-year-old becoming a franchise owner, while others think he would make an excellent head coach.
Boston Celtics legend and LeBron’s former rival, Paul Pierce, shared his thoughts on whether James could succeed in that role.
James has actually said he has no interest in coaching at the NBA level when he hangs up his sneakers in a few years.
Still, that hasn’t stopped ex-players and pundits from discussing how well he would transition into the role after his playing days.
And while many assume he would excel because of his incredible basketball IQ, Pierce is not sure that it would go well.
“It’s hard for great players of his caliber to be good coaches. We saw this with Magic Johnson,” Pierce explained.
“The thing about guys like LeBron and Magic [Johnson] is that, as a coach, you expect [the players] to have the same drive, attitude, and work ethic. So, when you don’t see those things, your patience wears thin.
“It’s hard in that aspect, and stressful. When I’m coaching these little AAU kids and tell them stuff, I’m like, ‘You know what, never mind.’ Let alone some pros.
“Could he do it if he wanted to? He could. Would he be a great coach? I don’t know. The great ones don’t have the same patience.”
LeBron might not have any interest in becoming an NBA head coach, but there are always a few players in every generation who fancy the challenge.
Pierce reckons former LA Laker and Boston Celtic Rajon Rondo could have a successful career on the sidelines, as well as James’ good friend Chris Paul.
“When you look at it, mostly point guards in the NBA become coaches,” Pierce suggested.
“Some that I could see becoming coaches one day: Chris Paul, I could see him being a coach, and Rajon Rondo. And currently, you’ve got Jason Kidd, Doc Rivers, and guys of the past like Nate McMillan.
“It’s usually a point guard and not superstars like LeBron. They’re just not going to get their level of play out of the players, ever.”
