Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James Could Retire From NBA After 2025-26 Season

James turns 41 in December. Next season will be his 23rd campaign in the NBA. The four-time MVP and four-time Finals MVP has been in the league since 2003.

The leading scorer in NBA history, James has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers (twice), Miami Heat and Lakers. He has been with Los Angeles since 2018 and helped the franchise with the 2020 championship against Miami at the Walt Disney World bubble.

James appeared in 70 games for the Lakers last season. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists and made the All-NBA Second Team. The 21-time All-Star also finished sixth in MVP voting.

The Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 playoffs despite having James, Luka Doncic and home-court advantage. James picked up his 2025-26 player option with Los Angeles and didn’t have any extension talks with the Lakers’ front office.

After James picked up his player option for next season, his agent (Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group) issued the following statement to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN:

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship. He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”

Paul’s statement caused a firestorm in the NBA, as people thought James would request a trade from the Lakers.

However, James is expected to begin next season in Los Angeles next to Doncic and his son, Bronny James.