With the Los Angeles Lakers losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder 115-110 on Monday night to get swept in the Western Conference semifinals, LeBron James’ NBA future is now up in the air.
As James walked off the court at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, many fans and analysts wondered if it was his final NBA game or at least the last time he’d wear a Lakers uniform.
LeBron James’ Contract Status Contributes to Uncertain NBA Future
James earned $52,627,153 this season with the Lakers, but he is in the final year of his contract so he will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
In 2024, James signed a two-year, $101,355,998 deal to stay with the Lakers. Throughout the course of James’ NBA career, he has earned $581,375,548 from his NBA contracts alone. This doesn’t even factor in his endorsements or investments.
As for James’ net worth, it is estimated to be $1.4 billion, according to Forbes.
Besides playing for the Lakers, James has suited up for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat. In 11 total seasons with the Cavaliers, James earned $169,884,342. In four seasons with the Heat, he earned $64,008,659. Across his eight seasons wearing a Lakers uniform, James has earned $347,482,547.
James, 41, will now consider what his NBA future holds. After Monday’s elimination, James admitted he isn’t sure what he will do.
“I don’t know, obviously. We’re still fresh from losing,” James said. “I don’t know what the future holds for me… I’ll go back and recalibrate with my family and talk to them, spend some time with them, and when the time comes, you guys will know what I decide to do.”
James’ son, Bronny, is also on the Lakers’ roster. At this time, Bronny has two more years left on his contract with Los Angeles — a guaranteed year and a team option.
In Monday night’s loss, James totaled 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists in 40 minutes of action. The Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets in the first round, but they were no match for the Thunder (who weren’t even at full strength since Jalen Williams has out since early in the first round).
During the 2025-26 regular season, James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in 60 games. He shot 51.5% from the floor and 31.7% from beyond the 3-point arc.
All eyes will be on James to see what he ultimately decides to do next. If he retires, he will walk away from the NBA as one of the greatest players of all-time, as he’s a four-time NBA champion, four-time NBA Finals MVP, four-time NBA MVP, 22-time NBA All-Star, 21-time All-NBA selection, 6-time All-Defensive Team selection, and more.
