Bronny James and LeBron James (Photo by Imagn Images)

LeBron James Gets Real About Retirement as Bronny James Gives Him New Purpose

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Debmallya Chakraborty | Last updated Apr 3, 2026 2:19 AM ET

When will LeBron James retire? Well, this question looks like the hardest thing to answer at the moment. Going by the current situation, James’ retirement timeline feels pretty much uncertain. At 41, the Los Angeles Lakers’ legend is going strong. Recently, speaking about when he would hang up his boots, the Akron-born gave an interesting reply that involved his son, Bronny James.

James pointed out that the biggest driving factor for him is the mind. If the mind is feeling alright, then everything else will be taken care of. The 4-time NBA champion also claimed that he will continue playing the game till his mind is ready to take up the grind and show up at the arena 5 hours before the game.

“When it gets to that point I feel like I don’t want to go early or don’t want to workout or train, then I’ll be cheating the game and I don’t want to do that — (On Bronny) I have even more of a purpose to show up to work, to workout and train, because I know he’s looking like ‘ok, that’s how you be a professional right there! So l have a responsibility with him around” said James.

LeBron James opens up about retirement and says Bronny has given him more of a purpose to keep playing:

“If the mind is still in it, then I think everything will take care of itself. For me, I love the process. If I can continue to be process oriented, getting to the arena early… pic.twitter.com/xE5LPCcTeB
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) April 2, 2026

Currently, James’ role in the Lakers’ roster is under serious question. Yet, when it came to him delivering for his team, the 22-time-NBA All-Star did it with enough flair. As Luka Doncic was serving a one-game ban against the Washington Wizards last month, James top-scored with 21 points, leading his team to victory.

Meanwhile, this was not the first time King James had praised his son. Recently, the Lakers’ legend expressed confidence in Bronny James’ place in the NBA.

LeBron James Believes Bronny James Belongs In The NBA

When the Lakers faced the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse back in March, the purple and gold brigade saw a surprising performance from none other than Bronny James. Playing for 13 minutes, Bronny dropped four points, an assist, and a couple of steals. Looking at the stats, Bronny’s father immediately became excited.

“Especially knowing the path, you know, the road… So, just proud of him. I’m super proud of him. And he belongs. He belongs,” James said per The Athletic’s Dan Woike.

“Especially knowing the path, you know, the road… So, just proud of him. I’m super proud of him. And he belongs. He belongs.”

– LeBron James on Bronny

(Via @DanWoikeSports) pic.twitter.com/t7rPTrdbWG
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) March 26, 2026