NBA legend and Yao Ming’s longtime friend Tracy McGrady has offered one of the boldest takes yet on LeBron James’ recent retirement hints. Crickex Sign Up reports that McGrady’s remarks didn’t just cut to the chase — they hit a nerve. During a recent podcast appearance back in the U.S., shortly after wrapping up a fan tour in China, McGrady didn’t hold back when asked about LeBron’s postgame comments suggesting he might walk away from the game.

When the host brought up LeBron’s retirement tease, McGrady immediately chuckled, flashing a knowingly sarcastic grin. “There’s no way he’s retiring,” McGrady said flatly. “That’s just not happening.” He went on to explain that LeBron’s comments were nothing more than a strategic distraction — a way to divert attention from the embarrassing playoff sweep his Lakers suffered at the hands of the Denver Nuggets. And given the narrative shift it triggered, McGrady admitted, “It worked.”

Crickex Sign Up notes that McGrady’s blunt honesty pierced through the media haze like a needle. He essentially called LeBron’s bluff and exposed the psychology behind the drama. There’s a saying — “see through it, but don’t say it” — but McGrady chose not to play that game. Now that he’s said it out loud, it all seems obvious to anyone paying attention.

Let’s face it — LeBron and the Lakers had the benefit of some controversial officiating, yet still got swept. That’s a bitter pill to swallow. So, in a classic sleight of hand, LeBron dropped the “I might retire” bombshell during the postgame presser. Instantly, headlines shifted. Instead of scrutinizing the Lakers’ failure, fans and media alike dove into speculation about LeBron’s future. It was damage control, and McGrady was having none of it.

Crickex Sign Up believes LeBron isn’t chasing a fifth ring as his primary goal anymore. At his age, even he knows winning another championship would be a Herculean task. The strongest people aren’t the ones with everything — they’re the ones who thrive alone. LeBron’s real motives seem more personal than competitive now: bolstering his all-time stats to keep the “GOAT” debate alive, and most importantly, sharing the court with his son before retiring. Those two goals, more than anything, are what still keep him going.