Is LeBron Retiring? Latest on 'Everybody' in NBA Reacting to Lakers Contract Rumors Before the Draft

There reportedly is at least some thought within the NBA that LeBron James could opt to retire this offseason rather than coming back for a record 24th campaign.

Nick Friedell of The Athletic noted that although he personally expects James to play next season, "everybody in the league understands there's still a chance he's already played his last game."

Despite being 41 years old, LeBron is set to become the NBA's hottest free agent, and he figures to draw interest from myriad teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, who have been his squad for the past eight seasons.

James has not made a definitive public statement regarding whether he plans to play next season or not, but he proved last season that he can still play at a high level.

Although his scoring average of 20.9 points per game matched his career low, he also chipped in 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per contest, and shot 51.5 percent from the field.

On top of that, the four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA Finals MVP was the Lakers' go-to guy during the playoffs with Luka Dončić out injured, leading them to the second round before getting swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Back in April, Dan Woike and Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that it was a "real possibility" James would retire, noting that several sources told them LeBron would not require a farewell tour before retiring.

However, Friedell expressed his belief Friday that James would want a retirement tour, noting that it would "shock" him if LeBron retires without one.

A 22-time All-Star, four-time NBA MVP and the league's all-time leading scorer, James is in the conversation as the greatest basketball player in history.

Because of that, retiring now would feel somewhat unceremonious and not necessarily befitting of the legendary career he had.

Whether it is with the Lakers or another team, James' fans would undoubtedly love to see him make one last run at a championship, while simultaneously having the chance to show their appreciation for him.

A James return for the 2026-27 season isn't yet guaranteed, but if he decides that he does want to play, he should have plenty of options at his disposal.

In addition to possibly re-signing with the Lakers, ESPN's Brian Windhorst named the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers as teams that would have interest in LeBron.