Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ five-game first-round playoff series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, speculation about LeBron James’ future has taken center stage.
James concluded Year 22 of his illustrious career — his first alongside co-star Luka Dončić — on Wednesday, with his undersized squad struggling to compete against Minnesota’s size.
L.A. lost Game 5 103-96 on its home floor with Timberwolves star center Rudy Gobert recording playoff career highs of 27 points and 24 rebounds.
With James set to turn 41 early in the 2025-26 campaign, discussions abound regarding whether the four-time NBA champion should call it a career. While James kept his options open following Game 5, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin believes he still wants to add to his legacy.
Dave McMenamin on LeBron James’ Aspirations To Win His 5th NBA Championship
During a Thursday appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show,” McMenamin noted that he thinks James “will be back” with the Lakers next season. When asked, “What is LeBron playing for?” the NBA insider underscored the four-time MVP’s desire to secure his fifth title.
“He wants another championship,” McMenamin said. “He knows it’s within his grasp.”
McMenamin added that James wants to keep playing with his son Bronny as he continues to develop following his up-and-down rookie year. Moreover, the 21-time All-Star reportedly plans to make the most of his enduring passion for the game while still performing at a high level.
“He is playing for the ability to be in the NBA, not just with Bronny James as his teammate, but Bronny James as a contributor on a winning team,” McMenamin said. “So, he is gonna be along for that part of the process as well. And he loves basketball.”
James Hints at Lakers’ Offseason Moves Playing a Role in His Retirement Decision
During Wednesday’s postgame press conference, James took a “we’ll see” approach to his retirement plans. However, he noted that L.A.’s roster decisions this summer could influence his decision.
“It’s a business,” James said. “You don’t know what the roster will look like next year besides the guys that [are] locked into contracts. Sh*t, I got a lot to think about myself. So I don’t know what the roster will look like. I don’t know where I stand right now.”
The Lakers have a well-documented need for a starting-caliber big man and overall depth.
Coach JJ Redick showed little trust in his second unit during their first-round defeat. Meanwhile, the team had no one to turn to for rim protection or to serve as a reliable lob threat.
However, the franchise is widely expected to address its frontcourt issues over the offseason and build upon this year’s third-place Western Conference finish (50-32).
