LeBron James is destined for a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a first-ballot induction, but must first wait until he eventually retires

LeBron James is primed to become the first active player in the Basketball Hall of Fame if rule changes ever allow it (
Image: Getty)

LeBron James has questioned why NBA players cannot be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame while still active in the league.

James, who turns 39 on Dec. 30, is two months into Year 21 of playing in the NBA, something only five other players have achieved. From those quintet, three (Dirk Nowitzki in 2023, Kevin Garnett in 2020, Robert Parish in 2003) are already in Springfield, with now Vince Carter, who played in 22 seasons, eligible to join them as of this year.

Kevin Willis is the only exception and holds the record for playing the most games without being honored. There is no danger of James missing out, but he will not need to be practicing his speech anytime soon.

That is because players are only eligible for enshrinement after spending four full seasons retired. For example, Carter last played in 2020 with the Atlanta Hawks and is only now in consideration for a place in Springfield, his fifth year of retirement.

However, coaches and referees can become eligible while working in the league. The eligibility requirement for both is a minimum of 25 years working in their role.

For coaches, that includes any time spent as a full-time assistant in the pros, plus high school and college. That is why San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich was inducted into the Hall of Fame earlier this year.

LeBron James is playing in his 21st season in the NBA ( 

Image:
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Some current college coaches are also inductees, including Bill Self, John Calipari, Kim Mulkey, Rick Pitino and Tom Izzo. However, no active referees and “contributors” do not have such time-specific requirements but must make a “significant contribution” to basketball.

James has now questioned the eligibility criteria. “Why do players have to be retired before going into the HOF??,” he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Coaches get in while still coaching, rightfully so. Wondering what’s the difference, though,” the post concludes with a monocle emoji.

The comments come a day after the Hall of Fame announced its eligible candidates for the Class of 2024. Despite being ineligible individually, James was a part of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Redeem Team, a first-time nominee this year.

Golden State Warriors point guard Chris Paul was also on the “Redeem Team” roster, as was free agent center Dwight Howard, both of whom are still active. Carmelo Anthony only officially retired in May after going unsigned last season.

Other notable first-time nominees include Bill Laimbeer, Mike Fratello, Penny Taylor, Rick Barnes and Seimone Augustus. Changes came to the election process this year regarding several categories, so it is not farfetched that James could affect change with these comments.

Introducing a 20-year minimum for active players would make the Los Angeles Lakers player eligible whenever it came into effect. Paul will also hit that milestone if he continues playing in the league for a further season after this one.