Ian Eagle wants a LeBron James farewell tour: ‘It would be almost wrong if this thing just ended’

Credit: Gary A. Vasquez - Imagn Images; YES Network

Ian Eagle has called NBA games at the highest level for the entirety of LeBron James’ career, and the Prime Video announcer doesn’t believe this is truly it for The King.

James, as he has in the past several seasons, told reporters he would take time to meet with his family before making a decision about his future. The four-time NBA champion is a free agent after spending the past eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.

In a recent appearance on the Sports Media with Richard Deitsch podcast, Eagle, who called three Lakers games this postseason, not only predicted that LeBron James will give far more advanced notice when he finally decides to retire, but also argued that James deserves such a “celebration.”

“I didn’t work that series thinking, is this it? Is this the last we’ll see of LeBron James?” Eagle explained.

“Maybe because I don’t believe it is, and I just feel that he would end on a different note and there would be more of a conversation leading up to it than just an abrupt ending. I don’t see him abruptly ending his career. I think he’s meant so much to the game, and certainly with how popular the NBA has become worldwide, he’s played such a huge role in it.”

Stars such as Kobe Bryant announced their retirement ahead of time, allowing colleagues across the NBA to share memories (and often gifts) during the star’s final visit to a city.

James has become increasingly vocal about his own legacy over time, but it is unknown whether he would want such a “show” during his final season.

“I’m not saying he requires the city-to-city show that would take place knowing that it’s his final year, but I think part of what the NBA is all about is celebration,” Eagle added. “And yeah, there would be a sense of, it would be almost wrong if this thing just ended out of nowhere without a real appreciation from the fans.”