The basketball community has been provided with a clearer picture of LeBron James’ upcoming retirement from the league. Although he is still playing at an elite level and can be considered one of the top players in the league, James is 40 years old and has been contemplating retirement for a few seasons.
Given that James has already broken most records and etched his name in league history, he has nothing left to prove. Therefore, retiring after his upcoming 23rd season in the NBA would be a fitting end to his career. Since he did not sign a contract extension with the Lakers this offseason, rumors surrounding his retirement have gained momentum.
More recently, it has been revealed that the four-time NBA champion’s play and the Lakers’ performance this upcoming season will play a massive role in deciding his future in the league.
When Will LeBron James Retire From the NBA?
There is no real way to tell when James will reach his limit. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. Given that some players have finished their final season averaging single-digit scoring with no other noticeable impact, James might be able to play for another half-decade unless injuries hinder him.
However, the Lakers star has already made it clear that he does not want to drag out his career, which makes sense considering he is already in uncharted territory regarding longevity and performance.
According to an anonymous NBA executive speaking to Lakers Daily, James will retire if the Lakers can win an NBA championship this season. However, he may hold on for the opportunity to play alongside his second son, Bryce James.
“I think LeBron plays one or two more seasons unless the Lakers win it all next year,” the NBA executive said. “Bryce will be eligible for the 2026 draft. There are some whispers that LeBron wants to play with him, too.”
“We’ll see what happens, but I just can’t see LeBron retiring after next season. He’s still too good of a player to just walk away. Unless there’s a huge drop-off in his production or the Lakers win the championship, I think LeBron is playing in 2026-27.”
James has already played alongside his eldest son, Bronny James, becoming the first father-son duo to ever play together in NBA history.
The Lakers’ performance in the 2025-26 season and how Bryce performs as an amateur will undoubtedly reveal more about James’ future in the NBA.
