2025-26 Season Is Likely The Final Chapter For LeBron James

At 39 years old, LeBron James is playing like one of the best athletes in the NBA right now.  Even so, the end is near for King James and according to league insider Shams Charania, there is a growing sense that next season will be LeBron's last.

"If both of them (LeBron James and Anthony Davis) are on their A-game and if they're healthy, this team has a chance to compete for a championship," said Shams Charania on First Take. "They made the Western Conference Finals a couple of years ago, we know they won a championship together... and I found it interesting this week, he said he's not gonna play until the wheels fall off. My sense is next season could potentially be his last season in the NBA. But I do think next season, with the All-Star game in L.A., there might be some good momentum there for that."

LeBron's retirement has been an increasing topic of conversation ever since he joined the Lakers back in 2018. While most players would have long called it quits by now, LeBron is still thriving as the leader for the Lakers, and his historic longevity is the reason they are still relevant today.

Somehow, LeBron's game has held up after all these years and many believe that LeBron can still play for another 10 years or more. This season, at 39, he's having one of his best stretches ever in a Lakers uniform with averages of 24.3 points, 9.4 assists, and 8.1 rebounds per game on 52.4% shooting. He's been a leader on both ends of the floor for his team, who are currently 6th in the West at 7-4.

If he wanted to LeBron could seemingly play for another 4-5 years and enhance his legacy even further. But as it stands, James is already one of the top 10 players in the game right now and there are other areas that demand his attention.

As far as his retirement goes, there may be no better moment than the 2025-26 campaign. That season will make the 23rd for LeBron (the same as his jersey number) and it will have the All-Star game in Los Angeles, the perfect location for James' final All-Star weekend. 

By that point, Bronny will be in his second season and the Lakers might have a real chance to win the title. LeBron will be 41 years old and already set in history as the king of longevity. The only thing to keep LeBron active would be the chance to play with his youngest son Bryce, who isn't NBA-eligible until the 2026 Draft.

At 39 years old, LeBron has nothing left to prove in his NBA career. As a 20x All-Star, 4x MVP, and 20x All-NBA player, he's among the greatest basketball players ever, and his legacy as one of the GOATs is secure.

Sadly, this epic career is coming close to the end now but it won't conclude without a massive tribute to the basketball legend. Whether it's next season or any of the ones after, LeBron will get the full retirement tour upon his announcement and there isn't anyone in the league more deserving of the honor.