Rumor: Lakers’ LeBron James Could Be ‘Gearing Up’ To Announce NBA Retirement

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James could be “gearing up” to announce his retirement from the NBA, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. 

James, 40, could retire from the NBA after next season. 

“Many around the league are beginning to connect the dots that James may not sign another contract with the Lakers because he may not sign another contract at all,” Siegel wrote. “Everyone knows that retirement is on the horizon for LeBron, and multiple agents, scouts, and rival team representatives shared with ClutchPoints that they believe James is gearing up to announce he will retire after the 2025-26 season.”

James turns 41 in December. He’s been in the NBA since 2003 and is the oldest active player in the league. 

The leading scorer of all time, James will make $52.6 million next season in the final year of his contract. 

“Haven’t we always talked about Year 23 being his last?” one Western Conference scout told ClutchPoints. “It is clear he isn’t happy with the way things are going with the Lakers, and this would be the best time for him to go out on his own terms. Not to mention, we are out here (in Las Vegas), and the worst-kept secret regarding expansion is that LeBron wants in on the team that will be coming here.”

James has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers (twice), Miami Heat and Lakers. He’s a four-time MVP, a four-time champion and a four-time Finals MVP. 

James has been with the Lakers since 2018. He guided the franchise to the 2020 title against the Heat at the Walt Disney World bubble. 

A future Hall of Famer, James made the All-NBA Second Team and finished sixth in MVP voting last season. He became the first player in NBA history to play with his son, Bronny James. 

James enters next season with career averages of 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.4 assists.