Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has recently spoke out about when he could potentially retire from the NBA. He has been in the NBA since the 2003-04 season.
James is 40 years old, and he has shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon. He is entering the final year of his contract with the Lakers. Is this going to be the final year of his NBA career or is he going to stay in the league after his contract expires?
ESPN Insider Believes Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James Isn't Close to Retirement
Brian Windhorst of ESPN was on the "The Hoops Collective" podcast on Tuesday. One of the biggest topics that was mentioned on the podcast was about the future of LeBron playing in the NBA. Retirement feels inevitable at this point for King James, but a retirement after this season could feel abrupt. Windhorst said,
"I can't speak to where (LeBron's) at spiritually about wanting to play longer, but what I can tell you is his play on the court is not indicating somebody who's near retirement. Now, he's got to want to do it. He's got to put his body through it. All of that stuff. I keep hearing people saying this might be the last year, but look, he's been linked to potentially playing in other leagues, but if he stays healthy, I do not see LeBron James slowing down. Maybe he's tired of doing it, but I do not see LeBron James slowing down that much."
It would be shocking if LeBron played in another league once the 2025-26 season ended. With the Lakers going from a transition from him to Luka Doncic, he might be better off leaving the Lakers after the season. James has nothing left to prove in the NBA after this season. The only thing he may want after this season is a retirement tour. Windhorst is also correct that he is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon despite his age.
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