How LeBron James' NBA Career Will End Reportedly 'Unknown' amid Lakers Rumors
Even though LeBron James' tease earlier this week that briefly sent fans into a frenzy about a potential retirement announcement turned out to be an ad reveal, the actual timeframe for the future Hall of Famer to talk away from the NBA is a mystery to everyone.
Per ESPN's Dave McMenamin, people close to James have said it is "unknown" how the end of his career will play out.
McMenamin also noted that Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves "love" playing with James and hope to keep doing so into the future, but James' situation is "undecided" going into his 23rd season.
"Everyone is trying to dictate when he's done and the reality is nobody actually knows," a source close to James told McMenamin.
Another key question is if James keeps playing beyond the 2025-26 season, will it be with the Los Angeles Lakers? His decision to opt-in to his $52.6 million salary over the summer came with a statement from his agent, Rich Paul, to ESPN's Shams Charania that at least suggested James was open to going elsewhere:
"LeBron wants to compete for a championship. He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.
"We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him."
There's no indication that the Lakers have approached James about extending his contract right now, though general manager Rob Pelinka said recently they want to give him space to do what he wants out of respect for all he has accomplished.
McMenamin reported that neither Dončić nor Reaves have inquired with James about his plans.
James has avoided giving specifics about his potential retirement timeline. The closest he has come to offering any insight was during Lakers media day on Sept. 29 by saying it is "sooner than later."
If you want to read into James' comments, he also said that he's "not waiting on" Bryce, his second son, to reach the NBA. Bryce, who is committed to the University of Arizona, will be eligible for the 2026 draft.
Despite all of the outside speculation, James is not going to keep people on edge for when he will retire. There's no reason for him to make a decision at this point because he's proven capable of playing at a high level, even at the age of 40.
James made the All-NBA second team last season after averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game in 70 starts.
It was revealed on Thursday that James' 2025-26 season will get off to a delayed start due to sciatica in his right side that will keep him out for at least three to four weeks.
This will mark the first time in James' career that he will miss a season opener.
