LeBron James Unsure About Next Move After Lakers Fall to Thunder
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Speaking to reporters late Monday after the Los Angeles Lakers were knocked out of the postseason by the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, forward LeBron James said he has not decided whether he will return for a 24th NBA season.
“With my future, I don’t know, honestly,” the 41-year-old veteran told the media, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “It’s still fresh after losing the series, and I don’t know what the future holds for me.”
James just completed his 23rd year in the league, the first player ever to reach that mark. Despite missing the start of the 2025-26 campaign with sciatica, he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds across 60 games while logging 33.2 minutes per contest.
Retirement is one option, but several players said the four-time MVP looks capable of continuing. Teammate and son Bronny James noted, “He looks like he can play another however many years… Whatever makes him happy, he should do that.”
If James opts to play on, he must also decide where. His contract expires this summer, and while he has been with the Lakers since 2018, the organization is reshaping its roster around new focal point Luka Dončić. Los Angeles has repeatedly stated a desire for James to finish his career with the franchise, yet potential alternatives—such as a third stint in Cleveland or a pairing with Stephen Curry in Golden State—have already been floated.
James said he will “recalibrate” with family over the coming weeks before making a decision. A continued passion for arriving at arenas hours early, diving for loose balls and preparing his body for practices will be central to his choice, he added. “I’ve always been in love with the process, so that will be a big factor.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
