LeBron James Says Retirement Is Near But Not Imminent
lebron-james-retirement-near-but-not-imminent
Las Vegas, Nev. — Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James acknowledged that the end of his playing career is getting closer, but stressed he has not decided when he will leave the NBA.
Speaking with Complex while attending Summer League action at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 14, the four-time MVP said his 23rd NBA season, which begins in 2025-26, will not be his last “for sure,” yet he conceded the finish line is on the horizon.
“I know I’m on the other side of the hump, for sure,” James, 40, said. “I’m not gonna play another 23 years, that’s for damn sure. And I’m not gonna play another 10. … Retirement is coming. It’s just not here yet.”
When James steps on the court this fall, he will become the first player in league history to appear in 23 seasons. He enters the campaign after earning All-NBA Second Team honors in 2024-25, confirming his status as a top-10 player even as he approaches his 41st birthday in December. The upcoming season is also the first in which James is on a true expiring contract; he will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
For years, James said he wanted to remain active long enough to share an NBA floor with his eldest son, Bronny. That milestone arrived during the 2024-25 season, making the pair the league’s first father-and-son teammates. With that goal achieved, James said he is weighing new motivations, which could include chasing another championship or possibly teaming up with his younger son, Bryce.
The Lakers star also addressed his friendship with rapper Drake following the artist’s highly publicized feud with Kendrick Lamar. James attended Lamar’s “The Pop Out” concert at the Kia Forum last year, a move some perceived as taking sides. James said he and Drake are “in different places at the moment” but added he still has “love” for the Toronto entertainer.
Source: Lakers Nation
