Last week, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that fans are witnessing the end of the relationship between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
This is shaping up to be James' eighth and final season with the Lakers, with whom he has spent nearly one-third of his legendary 23-year career. But the next stage -- whether that is joining another organization or retiring from basketball -- remains unknown.
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Former Lakers guard Lou Williams says James "has all of the cards" as it pertains to his future. James has a full no-trade clause in his contract, and he becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, so his relationship with Los Angeles will end when he wants it to.
But Williams, a three-time Sixth Man of the Year winner, predicted that the 2026/27 season will serve as James' farewell tour, pending an offseason announcement from the NBA's all-time leading scorer that he plans to step away from basketball.
"I think next year is the farewell tour," Williams said Monday on FanDuel TV's "Run It Back."
Lou Williams on LeBron James' retirement:
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) January 26, 2026
"I think next year is the farewell tour."@MichelleDBeadle | @ChandlerParsons | @TeamLou23 pic.twitter.com/ScxL7IYCrM
Whenever James announces his retirement, it is sure to be a global event. If Williams' prediction holds true, then NBA fans around the world will know all about it in the months ahead.
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