LeBron James Is Expected To Play One More Season In The NBA To Wait For Bryce's Arrival

At the end of another failed season, questions are circulating regarding the future of NBA legend LeBron James. At 40 years old, LeBron is closer than ever to retirement, but the latest update from Shams Charania says that he intends to stick around for at least one more season. 

"There's no expectation for LeBron James to retire. My understanding is that he will at least play another NBA season," said Charania on the Pat McAfee Show. "Think about next year, 2025-26, it'll be year 23, that'll set a record. Year 23 for No. 23. The All-Star game is in Los Angeles, so he could potentially be playing in Los Angeles. There are a lot of stars that would align for next season if that's what LeBron James decides. He'd be 41 years old in December, he's 40 right now. The expectation is that he's going to be playing at least another season."

With a $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, LeBron will have the ultimate flexibility this summer and the choice will be entirely his on either retiring, becoming a free agent, or opting in to play out his contract. His decision will likely revolve around Bryce James, who will be eligible for the NBA Draft in 2026.

"Does the Bryce James factor play into it at all? His son is going to potentially be draft-eligible in 2026 next year," said Shams. "If he feels at some point next year that Bryce James might be an NBA player, does he extend that window? I think that's the only potential caveat you'd think of out there that can keep LeBron James even longer than one more year."

With averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game on 51.3% shooting, LeBron James proved that he can still consistently deliver at an elite level on the court. Still, after 21 years in the NBA, LeBron knows that his time is limited and that any season could now be his last.

After sharing the court with his son, Bronny, this season, LeBron has already made history as the first father/son duo in the NBA. If he sticks around long enough, however, he can make history again by sharing the court with Bryce.

The 17-year-old athlete is a three-star recruit for Sierra Canyon High School, and he's committed to playing college basketball at the University of Arizona. While Bryce is not projected to be a top draft pick, his fundamentals, size, and well-rounded skill set make him an interesting prospect, and he will no doubt be under the microscope as he makes the transition to college basketball.

If LeBron is willing to wait long enough (through the 2026-27 season), he'll be able to make his biggest dreams a reality and lure both of his sons to join him on the Lakers. In the process, he can also compete for one last championship, and Luka Doncic's presence will surely keep the Lakers in the title mix.

For now, LeBron is still mulling his NBA future, and he certainly has a lot to consider. While he may still be dominating on the court, the Lakers are not close to being a championship team. At this point, the only thing that No. 23 has left to play for is his sons, and he has a historic opportunity to share the court with them as teammates before it's all said and done.