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Is LeBron James retiring? What Lakers star has said about NBA future in 2025-26

Gilbert McGregor

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Is LeBron James retiring? What Lakers star has said about NBA future in 2025-26 image

The 22nd chapter of LeBron James' storied career has nearly closed, leaving many to wonder if the 40-year-old will close the book on his career next.

Given the stage of his career, James is no stranger to talk of retirement. After the Lakers were eliminated from the 2023 NBA Playoffs, James said he had "a lot to think about" with his future, but Los Angeles' moves to acquire his son, Bronny, and superstar Luka Doncic in the past year may have given the four-time MVP new life.

As promising as the future may be for the Lakers, it is again fair to wonder just how much longer James intends to be a part of it.

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As one of the most calculated individuals to ever play professional sports, James has likely thought through his approach to retirement several times and, in recent years, has been transparent about his future when speaking with the media.

Is James retiring in 2025? Here is what can be taken from what the Lakers superstar has said about his future in the NBA.

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LeBron James retirement plans

James has not indicated whether he will retire in 2025, though he has not shied away from discussing it.

Based on comments from the 2024-25 season, James recognizes he can play at a high level for a bit longer but does not intend to play long enough to not enjoy the day-to-day process of preparing his mind and body to compete.

When James turned 40 in December, he admitted that while retirement is on his mind more than ever, it won't be because he still can't play at a high level.

After saying that he is at peace with thoughts of retirement, James said he thinks that, "If I really wanted to, I could probably play this game at a high level probably for about another — it's weird that I might say this — but probably about another five to seven years, if I wanted to. But I'm not going to do that."

A little over a month later — and hours before L.A. acquired Doncic — James turned in a triple-double at the famed Madison Square Garden. After the game, ESPN's Lisa Salters cleverly asked if he'd play at the arena again, to which James responded, "Possibly. We'll see."

Because James' Lakers only make one trip to MSG annually, it was a way to ask if he'd be back for another season.

MORE: LeBron James' history of overcoming playoff deficits

During James' late-season sit-down with ESPN's Pat McAfee, James acknowledged that "Obviously I'm on the other side of the hill," before again acknowledging that being ready to retire is tied to the mental aspect.

"For me, it's my mind — I am all about the process. … If it gets to the point where I don't feel like showing up to the arena five hours in advance or I don't feel like training or I don't feel like studying the scout sheet of guys — if it gets to that point, I know like, 'You know what, Bron, it's a wrap.'"

With the opportunity to play a full season alongside Doncic and continue to aid in the growth and development of his son and teammate, Bronny, many signs indicate that James is in line to come back for a 23rd season, but he was noncommittal in the postgame press conference immediately after the Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs, saying, "I don't know the answer to that right now." He added that he has "a lot to think about" in reference to what the Lakers roster will look like next season.

Ultimately, it will come down to several factors once the final buzzer has sounded on Year 22.

LeBron James contract

James has a $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. He has until June 29 to decide whether to opt out to become an unrestricted free agent or opt in for his final season. Opting out does not mean James will walk, as he can renegotiate a different deal with L.A.

SeasonSalaryAge
2025-26$52,627,153 (Player Option)41
2026Unrestricted Free Agent42

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Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.