Los Angeles Lakers fans are aware that LeBron James' time in the NBA will come to an end within the next few years. LeBron recently told The Associated Press he doesn't know when he'll retire, but that it would be "insane" if he were still in the league when his youngest son, Bryce James, gets drafted. That could mean he's considering making the 2025-26 season his last.
Bryce will be a freshman at the University of Arizona in the fall. He'll be eligible to enter the 2026 draft, meaning LeBron could play with both of his sons before he retires. The Lakers drafted Bronny last June, and could draft Bryce next year. Or perhaps another team will. It's too early to know how that situation will play out.
LeBron will have to first decide what he wants to do next season. He has a $52.6 million player option, which ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported the 40-year-old will "likely" exercise. If LeBron does, it could set him up to retire at the end of next season.
LeBron says it would be "insane" to still be in the NBA when Bryce gets drafted
There is a slim chance that LeBron will quietly exit the NBA without a retirement tour. Why would he do that? He's one of the best to play the game. LeBron deserves his flowers. He won't abruptly retire, meaning fans will have a heads-up about when his final season will be.
It's hard to believe that LeBron would call it quits right before Bryce becomes eligible for the draft. If he is that close to being in the NBA with both of his sons, why not play another season? Again, that will depend on how Bryce's first season in Arizona goes, but it wouldn't be surprising if he were a one-and-done like Bronny.
LeBron values his family above all else. He and Bronny were the first father-son duo to play in an NBA game together. LeBron could make history again by playing in a game with Bronny and Bryce, even if it meant Bryce being on the other team. LeBron has a laundry list of NBA accomplishments since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2003, but nothing would top playing with both of his sons.
Rather than dwell too much on when LeBron will retire, take next season in and enjoy watching him play. He said he'll be as close to 100 percent as possible for training camp, which will mark the start of his 23rd season, another historic moment. There is only one LeBron James.