LeBron James set the internet ablaze over the weekend after posting a teaser for an upcoming Amazon ad that hinted at his possible retirement. The video showed him standing at a podium as a reporter asked, “Are the retirement rumors true? What’s next?”—before abruptly cutting off.
However, James released the full video on Tuesday morning and spoke with the "Associated Press," clearing the air and all but confirming that he plans to return for a 23rd NBA season—likely with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 40-year-old addressed the knee injury he suffered in Game 5 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, revealing that he had sprained a ligament but is now feeling “good.”
“I have a lot of time to take care of my injury, my knee, the rest of my body, and make sure I’m as close to 100% as possible when training camp begins in late September,” James said, making it clear that his intentions are to return for Year 23.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23).
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23).
Candice Ward-Imagn Images
One of the final major decisions for LeBron James this offseason is whether to opt in or out of his player option for the 2025–26 season, with the deadline set for June 29. All indications currently suggest he will opt in, which would keep him with the Lakers.
However, if he chooses to opt out, James would become a free agent—opening the door to either re-negotiating a new deal with Los Angeles or potentially heading elsewhere.
That said, a departure would be surprising at this stage in his career, especially considering he now has Luka Doncic as a teammate in L.A. With a full season to build chemistry alongside Doncic and the right pieces around them, the Lakers could have a legitimate shot at making a deep postseason run in the Western Conference.