League executives see three realistic options for LeBron James after the 2025-26 season: staying with the Lakers on a reduced salary, leaving in free agency to join another team, or retiring from the NBA.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is in a record-breaking 23rd NBA season at age 41, but questions about his future are growing louder.
Los Angeles Lakers / Schedule
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, league executives believe there are three realistic paths for James once the season ends.
The first option is staying with the Lakers on a significantly reduced salary.
One executive referred to this as "the Dirk option," drawing a comparison to Dirk Nowitzki, who took major pay cuts late in his career to help the Dallas Mavericks build competitive rosters.
The second possibility is leaving the Lakers and joining another team in free agency.
The third, and most definitive, option is retirement.
Credit AP – Scanpix
James has now played 23 NBA seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Through 15 games this season, he is averaging 20.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.
Over his career, James has posted averages of 26.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists across 1,577 regular-season games.
He has been selected to 21 All-Star Games and owns one of the most decorated résumés in NBA history, including Rookie of the Year honors, four MVP awards, four Finals MVPs, and four NBA championships.
Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.
If you like our content, please click here and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest basketball news.