While LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers remains uncertain following the team’s early playoff exit, the four-time NBA champion may soon be honored in a new way, not on the court, but in the classroom.
At 40 years old, James holds a $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season. Following the Lakers’ first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, he has yet to publicly announce whether he’ll exercise the option or enter free agency. With a June 29 deadline looming, speculation continues to swirl about whether James will return for a 23rd season or consider retirement after an illustrious two-decade career.
Amid the uncertainty, James appears poised to earn one of the highest civic honors in his home state. On Wednesday, Ohio State University’s Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on awarding James an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree.
The move, first reported by NBC4 Columbus, would recognize James for his philanthropic impact and lifelong contributions to the state of Ohio, particularly in his hometown of Akron.
Recognizing a Legacy Beyond Basketball
According to Ohio State’s University Senate, honorary degrees are granted only when a recipient has made “contributions far beyond the expected high standards of the profession.” James is the only nominee up for an honorary degree during this round of approvals.
If approved, James would join an elite group that includes Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Neil Armstrong, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and legendary Olympian Jesse Owens. Few professional athletes have received such honors from Ohio State, making the moment even more historic.
Although he never attended college, James has maintained a deep connection to Ohio State. Former head football coach Jim Tressel once recruited him to play football for the Buckeyes before he went straight to the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick in 2003.
A Philanthropic Force
James’ off-court legacy continues to grow thanks to the LeBron James Family Foundation and his I PROMISE Program, which supports at-risk youth and families in Akron. His education-focused efforts have drawn national praise and set a high standard for athlete-led community work.
That impact hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans. Many reacted to the news with pride and excitement on social media:
“Make him the Steph Curry of Davidson. GM of basketball operations at tOSU. Program needs it.”
“Gonna have to veto this since Bryce James is going to play at Arizona,” joked another fan.
“Special man, just a kid from Akron.”
“The GOAT.”
Still Dominating at 40
On the court, James remains elite. In his 22nd NBA season, he played 70 games and averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists while shooting over 50% from the field. He finished sixth in MVP voting this year, a rare feat for a player at his age.
His career résumé is unmatched:
- 4× NBA Champion
- 4× Finals MVP
- 4× Regular Season MVP
- 21× All-Star
- 13× All-NBA First Team
- 3× Olympic gold medalist
- NBA’s all-time leading scorer (surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 2023)
- 2020 NBA champion with the Lakers during the pandemic
- 2016 title with Cleveland, ending the city’s 50+ year championship drought
- AP Athlete of the Decade for the 2010s
His influence now spans generations — most recently through his son, Bronny James, who was recruited by Ohio State but chose USC before being drafted by the Lakers in 2024 to join his father.
What’s Next?
As Lakers fans wait for clarity on James’ playing future, the vote at Ohio State will likely mark another career milestone — this one honoring not just LeBron the athlete, but LeBron the philanthropist, role model, and Ohio icon.
