It’s hard to pinpoint what LeBron James will do after this season. He might leave the Los Angeles Lakers for another team, or he might just retire. He could also stay with the Lakers or play for the next several years if he so chose. One of his former teammates believes this might be it for James.
LeBron James’ Retirement Speculated by Ex-Teammate
Ahead of the Lakers’ Wednesday matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers, James’ hometown team that he led to the 2016 championship, former teammate and three-time NBA champion Danny Green said on ESPN’s “NBA Today” that he believes James will retire after this season.
“I think this is his last game in Cleveland,” Green said. “He’s proven me wrong time and time again, but I don’t see a world where he plays another year. I mean, he looks great, he’s playing great. I just don’t think he knows it yet. His body looks like, and he feels well, but I think it’s going to hit him all at once, probably toward the end of this year.
“I can’t see him going through another training camp, another offseason, and trying to do this for a 24th season. It’s just hard for me to grasp my mind around that.”
“I just don’t see a world where [LeBron James] plays another year.” đź‘€ @DGreen_14 shares his thoughts on what could be LeBron’s last game in Cleveland ✍️ pic.twitter.com/xItS8uOq7m
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 28, 2026
James may retire after this season, but he remains an elite player who could elevate any team. He has averaged 22.4 points, 6.7 assists, and 6.0 rebounds in 28 games this season, helping lead the Lakers to a 28-17 record through 55 games.
Abruptly retiring does not appear to fit his style, as James has long commanded attention. He announced his decision to join Miami in a televised special and later revealed his return to Cleveland through Sports Illustrated. He has shown he prefers to make his plans public, so when he retires, he is likely to announce it in advance.
Many NBA legends had retirement tours, including Kobe Bryant and James’ close friend Dwyane Wade, who were celebrated throughout their final seasons. James likely took note
The question is whether James will retire with the Lakers. Sentimentally, a return to Cleveland for a farewell season would make sense. A more surprising outcome would be a return to Miami, where he created his biggest controversy and left on uneasy terms 12 years ago.
