Every offseason, the same question echoes across the NBA world: Is this the year LeBron James finally calls it quits? Year after year, the answer has been a resounding no. Retirement chatter picked up again after the Los Angeles Lakers’ early playoff exit this season, but it looks like once more, King James isn’t going anywhere.
He’s gearing up for his 23rd NBA season, continuing his pursuit of another championship. So, what keeps him going? The answer, he says, starts at home.
LeBron James Credits Family Support for His Unmatched Longevity
The Lakers superstar is set to do what no NBA player has done before – enter the 23rd NBA season, surpassing Vince Carter’s record of 22 seasons. While his physical preparation, discipline, and experience all play a part in that, James says there’s something even more powerful pushing him forward, and that is his family.
Speaking to the Associated Press, James opened up about how his wife, Savannah, and his children have never asked him to retire or pressured him to slow down.
“They’re like ‘Dad, continue on your dream. This is your dream. Continue on your focus. You’ve been here for us this whole time,’” James told AP. “When you have that type of support…it makes it a lot easier.”
LeBron James says he’s not retiring anytime soon and expects to play “another 10–15 years.”
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— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) June 17, 2025
It’s a rare and emotional insight into how much his family means to the NBA veteran and how they’re the foundation of his career’s final chapters.
That support becomes even more meaningful when considering how involved his family is in the game. His oldest son, Bronny, was drafted by the Lakers and is now officially his teammate.
His younger son, Bryce, is preparing for college basketball at the University of Arizona and will be draft-eligible in 2026. Meanwhile, his daughter, Zhuri, is building her own sports dreams in volleyball.
While many athletes hang it up by this stage, James finds himself chasing history with his family by his side every step of the way.
No Final Date Yet, but James Admits Retirement Is on His Mind
At 40 years of age, James has nothing left to prove. He has a resume that’s among the greatest in league history, with four NBA titles, four MVPs, ten NBA Finals appearances, and 21 All-Star nods. But even the greatest know when to start thinking about the end.
“At this point of my career, you think about when the end is. That’s human nature,” James said in the interview. “You think: Is it this year? Or next year? Those thoughts always creep into your mind at this point of the journey. But I have not given it a specific timetable, date. I’m seeing how my body and family reacts, too.”
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He also added that playing alongside Bryce in the NBA would be “insane,” subtly teasing one final milestone before stepping away from the game.
For now, he has a $56.2 million player option on the table and is expected to suit up for the Lakers next season. His focus remains on staying healthy, competing at the highest level, and helping the Lakers chase another title.
From Cleveland to Miami to Los Angeles, and now sharing a locker room with his son, James’ journey continues to add new layers, and retirement can wait for now.
