NBA Commissioner Adam Silver doesn’t lack creativity, we can say that much. Tasked with renewing interest in an All-Star Game that has gone lifeless in recent years, Silver decided to completely change the format and try to bring new life to it. Unfortunately, it didn’t really work, as the new format was heavily criticized for a variety of reasons.

Making matters even worse was the face of the NBA, LeBron James, opting to sit out the game with what he claims was “ankle and foot discomfort”. It was yet another example of how devalued the All-Star Game has become, and how little it means to players now. But reporter Jeremy Tache of the Dan Le Batard Show has another idea about what James’ absence truly meant, and why he willingly sat the game out.

Is LeBron James setting up a retirement tour in 2026?

During Tuesday’s show, Tache claims that James is setting up a farewell tour for next season, after which he will retire in the summer of 2026.

This was his moment to tank this [All-Star Game]. So that next year, as he goes on a retirement tour… the All-Star Game comes back as LeBron’s final “gift to the NBA”, even though he was part of what ultimately tanked the All-Star Game. He gets to be the hero.

Dan Le Batard calls it a “conspiracy theory I can get behind“. Tache also makes mention of players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant claiming that they’re willing to participate in next year’s dunk contest, which could be another sign that the plan is for the 2026 edition to be as grand as ever.

As for 2026 being LeBron’s targeted retirement date, it certainly wouldn’t be a surprise. James would be 41 years old by that point and has given everything to the game. He’s still playing at an extremely high level, but he can’t play forever, and going out on top is always every player’s dream.