
USA Today via Reuters
Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The whispers about LeBron’s next chapter are getting louder. Is he staying? Is he retiring? This year feels different, though. After opting into that $52 million Lakers deal, everyone’s still side-eyeing retirement talk. Agents, scouts – even Savannah supposedly wants him off the court soon. It feels like we’re watching the final act of an incredible career, wondering what comes after the final buzzer. The vibe is less “if” and more “when,” making every move he makes off the court super intriguing. Then, bam, LeBron drops a clue right on Instagram.
Nothing flashy, just a repost, but it screamed volumes. It wasn’t about basketball, or family, or even Taco Tuesday. Nope, it pointed towards the water, specifically Monaco, and some very specific dates. Suddenly, the retirement buzz isn’t just about hanging up sneakers; it’s about what major play he’s setting up next. The plot thickens dramatically.
LeBron’s Insta story reposted Team ALULAE’s promo, laser-focused on “MONACO” and the dates “July 18-19”. This isn’t random. It’s him shouting out his latest big-money move: Team ALULAE, his entry into the high-octane, eco-conscious world of electric powerboat racing. The E1 World Championship is where it’s at, and LeBron’s team is gunning for glory at the Monaco Grand Prix next week. Forget courtside; his focus is shifting to the foiling RaceBirds zipping across Port Hercule.
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This Monaco event is huge for the E1 series, with Team Rafa leading by a thread. LeBron’s social nudge shows he’s locked in, actively promoting his team. Team ALULAE’s debut at the E1 Monaco Grand Prix- the glitzy crown jewel of the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing series. This isn’t just sponsorship; he’s a major investor in this Saudi-backed team. Think 150-kW Mercury engines, hydrofoiling “RaceBirds” skimming Port Hercule, and a star-studded owner group including Tom Brady and Rafa Nadal. His timing? Flawless. Team Rafa leads the championship by just 7 points heading into Monaco’s high-stakes weekend. LeBron’s not just watching.. he’s all-in.

via Imago
Nov 15, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
It is strategic empire-building. ALULAE slots into LeBron’s $1.2 billion portfolio alongside Liverpool FC and Beats by Dre. Industry insiders note E1 team licenses have already sold for 5x their original value, proof of explosive growth potential. Piloted by rising stars like Canadian phenom Rusty Wyatt and UK rally champ Catie Munnings, the team merges elite racing with sustainability tech (real-time water sensors, Kreisel batteries).
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LeBron’s backing positions him at the forefront of eco-sports entertainment. And with Team ALULAE named after Saudi Arabia’s ancient oasis city- a UNESCO site central to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.. It’s a geopolitical play, too. And as Monaco’s glamorous race weekend nears, LeBron’s focus feels like a bridge to his next act. But those retirement rumors? They’re louder than a RaceBird’s wake…
The retirement rumors ramping up
Let’s cut through the noise. Yes, LeBron picked up his $52.6 million Lakers option for 2025-26. But ESPN sources and rival execs whisper a growing belief: this could be the final lap. As one insider revealed, “many around the league are beginning to connect the dots that James may not sign another contract with the LA Lakers because he may not sign another contract at all.” The endgame feels visible, even if he’s still dropping 25-point nights.
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Is LeBron's move to powerboat racing a genius pivot or a risky distraction from basketball?
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Family tension adds fuel. Reports suggest Savannah wants him retired “in the next year or so”– a soft deadline aligning with his 41st birthday. Agent Rich Paul walks a tightrope, stressing they’ll “assess what is best for LeBron at this stage” while chasing “one last ring.” It’s the classic GOAT dilemma: legacy vs. longevity.
Enter ALULAE. This investment isn’t a hobby; it’s a runway. With races in Lagos, Miami, and Lake Como post-NBA season, E1 offers global reach without the grind. LeBron’s Monaco tease? More than promotion- it’s a symbol. As the boats fly into Port Hercule next month, remember: LeBron James isn’t just leaving the court. He’s docking his empire in the future.
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Is LeBron's move to powerboat racing a genius pivot or a risky distraction from basketball?