Is the King about to make his final bow? If you are reading between the lines, or more specifically, watching between the frames, it is starting to feel like LeBron James may be preparing to end his legendary career where it currently stands, repping in the purple and gold.
LeBron’s Nike ad may be hinting at his final season
The clue that really got people talking? A new Nike ad for his new kicks, “The LeBron XXIII”. This was not just any ad; this one felt different. It was not about hype or what is coming next. It was about legacy.
He is the Forever King.
The LeBron XXIII arrives soon. Prepare to behold the greatness. pic.twitter.com/ovSMUdSVM8
— Nike Basketball (@nikebasketball) September 1, 2025
The narrator of the ad states this: “They called him the Chosen One… He took the crown and kept it. Behold the greatness. He is the Forever King.”
That does not seem like a normal message; it feels like it could entail a sendoff. Lakers insider Jovan Buha picked up on the same energy.
“It does kind of feel like LeBron is almost hinting that this is his final season,” Buha said on Buha’s Block. “That’s just pure speculation… but based on that ad, the tone of it felt like it was teasing this is potentially LeBron’s last season.”
He is not wrong in his speculation. The entire vibe of the commercial felt pretty heavy and emotional. It was like something you would drop right before saying goodbye.
When you stack that on top of everything else, whether it be LeBron’s age (40), his unmatched list of accomplishments, the fact that he has already played with Bronny, and the Lakers pivoting to a future with Luka Doncic, it all starts to make sense.
“The theme of his final year will be like the Forever King,” Buha added. “There was an essence or a tone to that commercial that just got the antennas percolated… they stood up a bit.”
James is someone who has always been aware of the moment. He does not do anything by accident. So if this is the start of a farewell tour, even a subtle one, it would not be surprising if the official announcement comes soon.
Maybe it will come via a Shams bomb. Maybe it will be from a LeBron-produced video. Either way, whatever it is, it will be on his terms.
Until then, fans will continue to watch, perhaps a little more closely than usual. Whether it is officially his last ride or not, one thing is clear: we are most likely getting near the end.