Rob Pelinka Wants LeBron James to Retire with Lakers, Will Support Star's Decision

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka would prefer if LeBron James retires as a member of the organization.

"We would love if LeBron's story is to retire as a Laker," Pelinka said at a press conference on Thursday, via FS1's Rachel Nichols.

Pelinka also explained that he'll support James' decision to retire whenever it happens, per Nichols.

The 21-time All-Star accepted his $52.6 million player option to stay with Los Angeles for the 2025-26 season in June.

James may not necessarily decide to retire at the end of his upcoming 2025-26 campaign, but he could choose to leave the Lakers in free agency and play elsewhere during the 2026-27 season.

Rich Paul, James' agent, recently told ESPN's Shams Charania that fans shouldn't worry about his client's long-term future and "appreciate the present" instead.

The NBA's all-time leading scorer has reportedly been monitoring Los Angeles' moves throughout the offseason as he wants to compete for championships to close out his legendary career.

The Lakers finished with a 50-32 record for their 2024-25 campaign, but quickly lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games during the first round of the playoffs.

As for James, the 40-year-old hasn't shown too many signs of slowing down. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game on 51.3/37.6/78.2 shooting splits last season.

It wouldn't come as a surprise to see him forgo retirement for at least one more year at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Regardless of when James' decision to step away from the sport comes, Pelinka is hopeful that he'll still be wearing purple and gold.