NBA icon LeBron James is gearing up for his 23rd season in the league, but signs continue to suggest that the end of an era may be approaching. The 40-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star recently exercised his $53 million player option to remain with the team for the 2025–26 season — a move that could mark his final campaign in professional basketball.
Barring a major surprise, LeBron James will return in October looking to add to an already legendary resume. Last summer, he played a key role in securing Team USA’s Olympic gold medal — his third — during his first Olympic appearance since 2012. He followed it up with a 2024–25 NBA season that saw him average 24 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, while extending his record for the most All-NBA selections.
LeBron James also appeared reinvigorated under rookie head coach JJ Redick’s new system, aided by one of the most shocking trades in sports history: the Lakers’ acquisition of superstar Luka Doncic. With Doncic joining the roster, the Lakers became immediate title contenders — and James looked more motivated than ever.
Despite that, the four-time MVP has made it clear he sees the finish line ahead. In a video captured at a dinner with his wife Savannah, former teammate Kevin Love, and others, LeBron James was overheard saying that Savannah wants him to retire in “the next year or so.”
Still, the King isn’t ready to hang it up just yet. According to Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, James is “closely monitoring” the Lakers’ offseason moves.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul told ESPN’s Shams Charania. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.”
That statement could have major implications. If the Lakers fail to make a significant playoff run in 2026, it might mark the end of James’ storied tenure in Los Angeles — or even his NBA career altogether.
When LeBron James joined the Lakers in 2018, many believed it was a move focused more on business than basketball. But after the 2020 title run and the recent acquisition of Doncic, the franchise has become a legitimate contender once again.
Whether LeBron James decides to walk away at the end of next season or play a bit longer remains to be seen. What’s clear, however, is that the NBA is closer than ever to saying goodbye to one of its greatest players of all time.
