LeBron James' Future Discussed by Lakers' Jeanie Buss Amid Cavs, NBA Retirement Rumors
Los Angeles Lakers governor Jeanie Buss expressed doubt about LeBron James' future with the team in a Tuesday interview with CNBC.
Buss said her family's decision to sell a majority stake to Mark Walter last year was made with the idea of building around Luka Dončić, per CNBC's Alex Sherman.
"The partnership will give us the stability to continue to move forward as we build towards a team around Dončić," Buss said about the deal with Walter. "We couldn't be more proud that he is a Laker. He is a young all-star that the fans love to see."
When asked if the 2025-26 season might be James' last with the franchise, Buss answered, "I never say never, but he certainly hasn't given an indication as to what— he's earned the right to decide how his career will go, and he continues to impress."
Buss agreed to stay with the Lakers on a five-year term as governor following the sale, although she didn't give a direct confirmation when asked Tuesday if she planned to serve out the full term.
His agent Rich Paul seemingly signaled James' willingness to move on from the Lakers back in June, when he said in a statement that his client "knows the Lakers are building for the future," but "values a realistic chance of winning it all."
James is currently playing this season on an expiring contract after activating his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season.
ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst reported the Lakers hadn't offered James an extension before he activated his option.
Rumors that James would return for another NBA season with a different team resurfaced last Friday, when ESPN's Tim MacMahon said on NBA Today that there was "rampant speculation" around the league that James would have "a reunion and potentially a retirement tour for the ages back home again with the Cleveland Cavaliers next year."
James hasn't yet confirmed that he plans to return for a 24th season at all. The Lakers star, who turned 41 in December, said last week the decision would depend on a variety of factors including his health and his mental commitment.
"It's so many more factors that come with how long will I play the game... Once my body goes, then it's a wrap," James told reporters last Friday. "Then the love goes, and then the fun and all that stuff goes. So that's what it is."
The Lakers will focus for now on making a playoff run with both Dončić and James on the roster. Los Angeles is coming out of the All-Star break with a 33-21 record, good for No. 5 in the West.
James, Dončić and the Lakers are set to return to action with a Friday night home game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
