Jan 10, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the first quarter of a game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on January 10, 2021 in Houston, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Carmen Mandato/Pool Photo-Imagn Images Pool Photo-Imagn Images

Lakers’ LeBron James Breaks Silence on Retirement

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ricardo Klein | Last updated Sep 18, 2025 3:03 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers superstar forward LeBron James has provided an update on whether ot not he will retire soon.

More news: ESPN Insider Provides New Update on LeBron James’ Retirement Plan

During an interview with Complex, James said that retirement is near, but not yet here.

“Retirement is coming. It is coming. It’s just not here just yet.”

— LeBron James

(via @SpeedyMorman, @ComplexMusic, h/t @Fullcourtpass) pic.twitter.com/fJxHhk5AR1
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 18, 2025

“Retirement is coming. It is coming. It’s just not here just yet," said James.

The 40-year-old superstar is set to enter hsi 23rd season in the league in a little over a month. James' career is closer to the end than it is to the beginning, and even though that is the case, he has shown no signs of slowing down.

James has been dominant for the most part of his entire NBA career, and barring injury, that should be no different this upcoming season. His retirement has been the topic of discussion for the past few seasons now, but it appears that James is keeping that news close to the vest.

LeBron James' Summer Was Filled With Trade Rumors

James' summer has been quite a rollercoaster. The 21-time All-Star opted into his $52.6 million player option at the start of free agency. Many assumed that was a move to force a trade out of Los Angeles.

More news: Lakers’ LeBron James Heaps Praise on Luka Doncic

The rumors were swirling, but nothing but real materialized on that front, so as the season approaches, James will likely begin the season donning the purple and gold.

Whether he finishes the season with the Lakers is a different subject. Nonetheless, all signs point to James finishing his 23rd season as a member of the Lakers.

While that is the case, James will not be the focal point of the team, present and especially future. That will be none other than Luka Doncic. The Lakers traded for Doncic in early February in what was the most shocking trade of all time.

Now, Doncic is tasked with leading the Lakers for many years to come and bringing what many hope will be multiple championships during his LA tenure.

James will still play a vital role for the Lakers as the team's second-best player. The 40-year-old is still arguably the top 10 player in the league, and if the Lakers remain healthy, they could make some noise in what will be a loaded Western Conference this season.

Every game in the West matters this season, as it could be the difference between the play-in tournament and a top-six seed.