Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards offered contrasting responses when asked if they would cry when LeBron James eventually retires from the NBA. This question came up on Saturday during the All-Star media day ahead of the 2026 All-Star Game at the Intuit Dome.
Wembanyama responded simply, stating,
“I’m not going to shed a tear, but it is going to be very weird, for sure.”
Meanwhile, Edwards shared a more emotional reaction, saying,
“I might cry, a little bit.”
LeBron’s Recent Milestone and Uncertain Future
The discussion about retirement arose just one day after 41-year-old LeBron James became the oldest NBA player to ever record a triple-double, posting 28 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds during a Lakers victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. Despite this historic achievement, James has not publicly declared if he will play a 24th season once his current contract with the Lakers ends this spring.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon has reported widespread speculation that James may return to the Cleveland Cavaliers this offseason, adding uncertainty to his immediate future in the league.
Potential Impact on Wembanyama and Edwards and Upcoming All-Star Game
If LeBron does sign with Cleveland, Wembanyama and Edwards could get at least one more season playing alongside basketball’s all-time leading scorer. At present, Edwards represents Team Stars and Wembanyama plays for Team World as both prepare to compete against LeBron’s Team Stripes in the round-robin format of the 2026 All-Star Game.
The event tips off Saturday at 5 p.m. ET at the Intuit Dome, bringing together many of the NBA’s top players and adding anticipation about LeBron’s future and the evolving careers of rising stars like Edwards and Wembanyama.
"I know what the ramping speculation is around the league: this summer there's gonna be a reunion and potentially a retirement tour for the ages back home again with the Cleveland Cavaliers next year" – @BannedMacMahon on Lebron pic.twitter.com/lcm1CSDmQ2
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 13, 2026
