NBA icon LeBron James was the centerpiece of the league’s free agency period this summer, as everyone awaited his decision after announcing he was leaving the Los Angeles Lakers.
After much speculation, the 41-year-old eventually opted to go back to the Eastern Conference, signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, who made several major acquisitions this summer. While James’ career is approaching its final chapter, he recently revealed something he will not do after his retirement.
Lebron James Says Coaching Is Unlikely After Retirement
James enjoyed a special golfing trip to Scotland with some of his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammates as they celebrated the 10-year anniversary of their NBA championship.
While having a roundtable discussion about coaching, James said: “I refuse to do that, what I refuse to do is yell at somebody that don’t want it.”
LeBron James has ZERO interest in coaching 😭😂
“The last thing I’m gonna do is yell at someone who doesn’t want it.”
LeBron knows the grind, pressure and accountability that come with coaching—and apparently, he’d rather leave that job to someone else. 😂
(via LeBron James/YT pic.twitter.com/6uDY9Aofbx
— Hoops Den 🏀 (@hoopsden1) August 15, 2026
James enjoyed the special golfing outing with former teammates Kevin Love, J.R. Smith, Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye, and Tristan Thompson.
The four-time champion interjected after Frye humorously shared his enjoyment at yelling at players while coaching youth basketball.
James appears uninterested in motivating young players who don’t have the natural desire to improve and maximize their talent. As someone who is often cited as one of the smartest players of all time, the league’s all-time leading scorer is widely believed to be a successful coach.
While James has mentored some younger players, he appears willing to help self-motivated, disciplined kids. Though it’s not a surprise that the 41-year-old seems to rule out a coaching career post-retirement, as he’s often mentioned his primary goal is to own an NBA team one day.
The four-time champion has a strong relationship with 76ers franchise guard Tyrese Maxey and is likely to pass on wisdom to help Maxey reach another level.
Rising shooting guard VJ Edgecombe is another example of a player who would benefit from the addition of James, alongside Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid.
“To me, he’s [James] the greatest of all time, so now we’ve got him, JB, Jo, Rese, it’s a squad. I’m just excited to learn,” Edgecombe had said when asked about James’ arrival in Philadelphia.
For now, James is focused on finishing his playing career with another championship. He joins a unique mix of talent on the 76ers, who are considered a championship favorite heading into the season.
