Die-hard followers of the NBA speculate on the possibility of four-time NBA champion and Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James following in the footsteps of legendary NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is reportedly agreeing to a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
NBA Fans Connect Aaron Rodgers’ Reported One-Year Deal to Possible LeBron James’ Retirement Tour
On Saturday night, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported, citing sources close to the team, that four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers agreed to a one-year, $25-million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The transaction is believed to include a base salary of $22 million to $23 million, plus undisclosed in-game incentives, according to the sources who told Schefter.
Sources: Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers now have reached agreement on a one-year deal. Rodgers officially is reuniting with the Steelers and their new head coach Mike McCarthy for the 2026 season. pic.twitter.com/ej9maN3MBq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 16, 2026
Before the 42-year-old Rodgers agreed to the deal, the former NFL champion took a long time to decide whether to play another season with the Steelers.
The transaction could be Rodgers’ “Last Dance” with the league, as he has earned numerous accolades as one of the league’s best signal-callers over his 21 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, and the Steelers.
The NFL quarterback’s reported agreement with the Steelers has fueled speculation about a similar fate for Rodgers’ NBA counterpart, LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers’ star, who is days removed from being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, is the subject of this speculation.
James completed his 23rd season with the Lakers and is weighing his future: whether to sign another deal with the Lakers or become a free agent and head elsewhere. Fans are trying to predict what his decision could be after Schefter tweeted the report.
A fan with the X handle LakeShowYo is urging the NBA’s “King” to make a life-changing decision, possibly in his final years in the association.
“Your turn @KingJames,” he said.
your turn @KingJames
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) May 17, 2026
Another sports enthusiast noted that Rodgers is the LeBron James of the NFL, continuously playing in his own league despite retirement speculation.
“Aaron Rodgers, the lebron james of NFL, just retire already my guy ,” the fan said.
aaron rodgers the lebron james of NFL, just retire already my guy
— ak. (@aklandiss) May 16, 2026
Another fanatic chimed in on the discussion, comparing the two athletes and offering his take on which championships had a greater impact.
“I called Aaron Rodgers the LeBron of the NFL at least five years ago. The difference is Aaron Rodgers lone ring is better than all of LeBron’s rings combined,” he wrote.
I called Aaron Rodgers the LeBron of the NFL at least five years ago. The difference is Aaron Rodgers lone ring is better than all of LeBron’s rings combined.
— Let Ray Freeze (@CantStopDaRayne) May 16, 2026
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A New York Giants fan with the username @Quaddyy_ sarcastically put it into perspective, saying that James needs to decide whether to sign another year in the NBA after Rodgers beat him to the punch.
“If Aaron Rodgers coming back for another season Lebron need to too fuck that 😭,” he said.
If Aaron Rodgers coming back for another season Lebron need to too fuck that 😭
— GUICE (@Quaddyy_) May 17, 2026
The waiting game has begun for the generational talent who first played with the Cleveland Cavaliers as an 18-year-old high school prospect during the 2003-24 season. He could be heading for another “decision,” similar to the previous announcements he made.
This time around, it will be different, as he could be heading into his final year, or, as others have put it, his “Last Dance.” He has plenty of options during the offseason. James could announce that he will team up with Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, return to the Lakers, or return to his first team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
But knowing the four-time MVP, it is also possible that he’ll bide his time and make the decision when he is ready to announce it.