Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, 40, has a big decision to make this offseason about his future with the Lakers.
His contract has a player option for the 2025-2026 season that will pay him more than $56.2 million, but James has to decide if he wants to pick it up by June 29.
After teasing his "retirement" in an advertisement on social media, the NBA's all-time leading scorer proved that he knows the end of his playing career is near.
"At this point of my career, you think about when the end is. That's human nature," James told the Associated Press. "You think, is it this year? Or next year? Those thoughts always creep into your mind at this point of the journey."
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23)
Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
"But I have not given it a specific timetable, date," he added. "I'm seeing how my body and family reacts too."
The last part is critical. He revealed in the interview that his wife, Savannah James, and their three children, Bronny James, Bryce James and Zhuri James are "major reasons that he continues to push forward" while recovering from a knee injury suffered in the Lakers' playoff series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
According to the four-time NBA champion, his children, including Lakers teammate Bronny, are in alignment on what he should do and how they will support their father.
"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 said. "When you have that type of support ... it makes it a lot easier."
James made no secret of extending his career long enough to play with Bronny, and he added that it would be "insane" if he can play long enough to see Bryce, an incoming freshman at Arizona this year, make it to the league as well. His middle son would be eligible for the NBA Draft in 2026.
James played 70 games last season. He put up his lowest scoring average (24.4) since his rookie season in 2003-2004, but still made second team All-NBA operating next to new Los Angeles co-star Luka Doncic.