LeBron James Could Retire After Next Season

[RealGM Wiretap]

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was recently asked how much longer he'd continue to play. Without giving any sort of timeline, James did say he wouldn't continue to play "until the wheels fall off".

Shams Charania of ESPN believes that the NBA's all-time leading scorer could retire after next season. James has a $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, as a part of the deal he signed this past offseason. The veteran forward has kept his contracts as flexible as possible on his last few deals, opting to have continuous control with short-term deals featuring player options.

Charania also speculated that James could have reasons to play beyond next season. There's All-Star Weekend to be held in Los Angeles in 2027. In addition, James could be motivated to also play in the NBA with his young son Bryce, who is eligible to join the NBA as soon as the 2026-27 season.

Via Shams Charania/ESPN

[NBA4Lyfe]

and no one cares

[bgrep14]

Dude should take a team friendly contract with the Cavs for one season, win one more championship, then ride off into the sunset.

[ghillphx]

Pointless article

[Barcs]

LOL! Breaking news!! He might do it 2 seasons from now! OH MAN!!!

[TheCage4]

Please retire sooner and take your son with you.

[RM519]

Lebrons gunna turn his retirement into a multi year long episode of “the decision”

He’s such a narcissist that he can’t help but require the attention.

Side note: can someone please list any other team that had 2 healthy alleged top 10 players and yet year after year is 7-10th in the standings?

Lebron gets great numbers still, but they’re empty. He doesn’t get wins.

[Biff]

Looking at these comments, when did realgm become facebook?

[LaRance]

He'll probably a season with his 2nd son Bryce than bounce after that

[FeatheryTouch]

Looking at these comments, when did realgm become facebook?

Yep, way too many responses(here and everywhere) these days consist of hyperbolic, hate-filled, and outlandish takes that are calibrated to draw attention or outrage rather than being reasonable, nuanced, or insightful.

I don't love everything LeBron has done in his career but the amount of vitriol and disrespect he gets from some people is irrational and unwarranted. Dude is an all-time great that is currently putting up nightly triple doubles as he approaches 40, and negative comments still dominate the discussion. It's quite remarkable.

Hot take culture is out of control.

[teco1497]

Lebrons gunna turn his retirement into a multi year long episode of “the decision”

He’s such a narcissist that he can’t help but require the attention.

Side note: can someone please list any other team that had 2 healthy alleged top 10 players and yet year after year is 7-10th in the standings?

Lebron gets great numbers still, but they’re empty. He doesn’t get wins.

One of the greatest names in history deserves attention year-round before his retirement; he has earned it and continues to earn it. LeBron is no longer in the top 10, and Davis is barely in it.

[Dennis 37]

He wouldn't be hated so much if his Clutch Sports brethren and sports media personalities didn't suck his Gradey every chance they get.

[Kent]

It would be amazing if he did go "until the wheels came off" just to see how many more records he could break.

Just look at what Vince Carter accomplished playing past 40. Now imagine that kind of longevity paired with the impact of James contributing for the next five, maybe even ten years.

It would only add to his resume, not take away.

And I'm saying this as a neutral fan of LBJ.

[El Hespiritu]

Breaking News!

Bronny Sr. Could Not Retire After Next Season

Mmmh...

Wait.. Isn't this the same new but written in a different manner?

Nah, sure it's not...
...for some reason I just can't recall at the moment.

[Knick4Real]

Now that he forced his unprepared son into the league just to make his own legacy look good, of course LB might retire.

[NBA4Lyfe]

Lebrons gunna turn his retirement into a multi year long episode of “the decision”

He’s such a narcissist that he can’t help but require the attention.

Side note: can someone please list any other team that had 2 healthy alleged top 10 players and yet year after year is 7-10th in the standings?

Lebron gets great numbers still, but they’re empty. He doesn’t get wins.

thats why nba 2k is dead to me lol

every year every player on the lakers roster has inflated overalls, hell i rmmebver last yr they had lebron and jokic with the same overall rating lol

every year a player gets scapegoated on the lakers for the king and every year the lakers are a playin team outside of the bubble