LeBron James admits part Wembanyama may play in his retirement at Fanatics Fest

LeBron James finished his 22nd season in the NBA last month, and at 40 years old, everyone has the same question for The King: When are you retiring? At the Fanatics Fest in New York today, he playfully answered that question with Victor Wembanyama sitting right beside him, and while there was laughter in his answer, there's always a little truth said in jest.

"As long as he keeps smacking my "f**** shots into the stands. He's gonna make me retire." - LeBron

The 7'4" phenom laughs at James' answer as they shot an episode of The Shop live in front of the fans at the New York event put on by Fanatics owner Michael Rubin. Nobody really knows when the legend will retire. He's still performing at a high level. But when the new kid on the block shows up and starts to dominate, that's usually when the old guard bows out. That's the case in any sport.

Wembanyama block parties have changed things in the NBA

Victor changes the way offenses have to attack when he's in the game. There's much more action happening on the perimeter. It's a design by necessity, not by choice. The Alien is too good a patrolman.

It's like trying to break into a room in a stealth video game, but the guard never leaves his post. If you attempt brute force, you lose automatically, so you have to get creative to force security from his spot. It's not easy, and it's not meant to be. Bring your best, or be denied.

James has actually only been blocked twice in the five games the two have matched up since Wemby joined the league. But he's watched his teammates be terrorized firsthand. Victor has blocked a total of 14 shots against the Lakers in those five contests. This is a team with LeBron James and Anthony Edwards.

Both players are uber talented and take a lot of shots, and they know how to get their looks, but that hasn't stopped Vic from racking up rejections like the kid nobody likes looking for a prom date.

The geometry on the floor will forever be changed when teams have to face the Spurs and their franchise star. The next feat will be finally forcing LeBron James into retirement. As skilled as he still is, he's not winning anything else. Let the lasting memory of you be a version we know can still get 30. It's rare for legends to leave on a high like that.