LeBron James is heading into his twenty third NBA season, and whereas hypothesis about his future continues to develop, one league government believes his retirement may come sooner reasonably than later.
The Lakers star is about to turn into an unrestricted free agent subsequent summer season, his first time hitting the market since 2018.
An NBA government says James will solely name it quits after the 2025-26 season below one particular situation.
“I believe LeBron performs one or two extra seasons until the Lakers win all of it subsequent yr,” the chief mentioned, through Lakers Each day.. “Bryce [James] might be eligible for the 2026 draft. There are some whispers that LeBron needs to play with him too. We’ll see what occurs, however I simply can’t see LeBron retiring after subsequent season. He’s nonetheless too good of a participant to simply stroll away. Until there’s an enormous drop-off in his manufacturing or the Lakers win the championship, I believe LeBron is enjoying in 2026-27.”
The 40-year-old has proven no main indicators of decline.
Final season, he appeared in 70 video games and averaged 24.4 factors, 7.8 rebounds, and eight.2 assists whereas capturing 51.3 % from the sphere and 37.6 % from deep. He was named to the All-NBA Second Crew and completed sixth in MVP voting.
Nonetheless, his long-term plans stay a thriller.
James “has been linked to doubtlessly enjoying in different leagues”, Brian Windhorst famous on his Hoop Collective podcast that and added he “doesn’t see James slowing down, barring harm.”
Lebron James has been linked to enjoying in different leagues; per @WindhorstESPN
“I maintain listening to individuals like, this is likely to be the final yr, this is likely to be the final yr. Look, he’s been linked to doubtlessly enjoying in different leagues. I don’t know, perhaps. But when he stays wholesome, I do… pic.twitter.com/iNE1BDjf1Y
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BASKETBALLonX) September 16, 2025
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