Lakers' LeBron James Talks Luka, Son Bryce's Impact on NBA Retirement Decision
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was noncommittal when discussing his future in the NBA beyond the 2025-26 NBA season.
"I don't know when the end is, but I know it's a lot sooner than later," he said during the Lakers' media day Monday. I'm just excited about the journey and whatever this year has in store for me."
James added he still loves playing basketball and that "the love of the process is still higher."
This will be Luka Dončić's first full year in Southern California following his trade from the Dallas Mavericks. As much as James is excited by that fact, Dončić won't come into play when he seriously weighs his options next offseason:
It's a similar story with Bryce James, LeBron's younger son. The 40-year-old may not prioritize playing with Bryce in the NBA the same way he did with older son Bronny:
Bryce was a 3-star recruit and ranked 324th overall in 247Sports' composite rankings for 2025. Bronny, by comparison, was a 4-star prospect and the No. 22 overall player in 2023.
Bryce will be eligible for the 2026 NBA draft, but he might need to have a big season at Arizona in order to draw the attention of scouts and general managers straight out of the gate.
The teenager is also well aware of his dad's basketball mortality. LeBron will be 42 when the 2026-27 season concludes.
Earlier this month, ESPN's Tim Bontemps polled 20 people around the league on a variety of topics, including James' status for next season. Five said he'll retire, while the Los Angeles Lakers got the most votes (seven) among those who believe he'll extend his career.
"If I was taking the Lakers or the field, I'd take the field," one scout from an Eastern Conference team said. "But I'll take the Lakers over any specific team, especially given they are the one with a clear path to pay him."
It's the easiest conclusion to draw, but much of James' decision may hinge on how he performs on the court.
The 21-time All-Star is showing signs of decline but still plays at a high level given his age. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists last year, and he finished sixth in the MVP voting.
Another season like that could lead James to believe he has enough in the tank to commit to Year 23.
Should LeBron fight through injuries en route to an early playoff exit for the Lakers, his appetite to keep going could be a lot less than it is now.
