'He’s Been the GOAT for so Long:' Paul Pierce Believes Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James Will Retire From NBA After 2025-26 Season

James turns 41 in December. He will make $52.6 million in 2025-26 and become an unrestricted free agent next summer for the first time since 2018.

A four-time champion, James has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers (twice), Miami Heat and Lakers. He enters next season with career averages of 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks. The four-time Finals MVP is the only player in NBA history to rank top five all-time in points and assists.

A four-time MVP, James is arguably the best player in NBA history. It’s unknown if the Akron native plans to play in 2026-27, but if he does, one NBA executive expects the Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors to pursue him.

“Cleveland, Dallas and Golden State, those are the three teams I’m looking at,” an NBA executive told DallasHoopsJournal. “All three would have loved to trade for him (LeBron James) this offseason, but he never requested a trade and he makes way too much money. Once he’s on the open market, those three will court him. I have no doubt in my mind.”

It will be fascinating to see if James retires after next season or chooses to play in 2026-27. The basketball legend averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks for the Lakers last season in 70 games. He finished sixth in MVP voting and made the All-NBA Second Team.