Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

LeBron James Teases Lakers Future With Cryptic Ad

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 11:10 AM ET

LeBron James has talked about the fact that he's not going to play that much longer for the Los Angeles Lakers. A couple of years ago, he teased the fact that he was thinking about retiring.

Of course, James decided to come back, and he made second-team All-NBA this year. He is still one of the best players in the league, and it's hard to see him leaving while he's still playing this way.

Still, he won't be around forever. The Lakers probably have just two or three years left with him, maximum. They might have even less.

LeBron James teases his future retirement in a strange ad

James is not someone who shies away from attention. Fans of other teams would say that he actually seeks it out. They will say the same thing after a cryptic ad was released involving James.

In this ad, James is seen at a podium, seemingly having announced his retirement. He is then asked what's next before the screen cuts to black.

I’ve been asking myself the same question… #ad pic.twitter.com/ieSG62C7cA
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 14, 2025

What this means is unclear, but it likely doesn't mean that James is going to retire this offseason. He seems to still be as hungry as ever to win an NBA title, and that should still be his top priority.

After the Lakers made a trade for Luka Doncic this year, they feel as though they can win it all as long as James and Doncic are both healthy. They just need to fill in some gaps.

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The Lakers are in a position in which they need to have James focused and ready to go for next season. They have made several moves in the last few years in order to make him happy.

James has been vocal about the fact that he wants to own one of the expansion teams that will be coming to the NBA, preferably the Las Vegas franchise. That could be what he does in retirement.

This season, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. He shot 51.3 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from three.

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For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.

This article first appeared on FanNation All Lakers and was syndicated with permission.

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