LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers
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LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers
It is the question that is dominating the minds of many around the NBA, not just with the Lakers. As things stand, LeBron James is a member of the Lakers, and will continue to be one through the end of the season. But what happens beyond 2025-26? James can be a free agent this summer, and already one of the top parlor games in league circles is predicting where James will play next.
It might not be with the Lakers. It might not be in the NBA at all.
James, at age 41, is showing he is still very much capable of playing at a high level in the NBA. He is playing 33.3 minutes per game, averaging 22.0 points this season. He’s shooting 50.2% from the field and 30.5% from the 3-point line. James also averages 5.8 rebounds and 7.1 assists.
But when asked about returning or retiring on Sunday, James was noncommittal: “I want to live. When I know, you guys will know. I don’t know. I have no idea. I want to live, that’s all.”
LeBron James Retirement Decision Is a Mental One
James’s numbers are enough to get him into this year’s All-Star game, the 22nd selection in his career. It would seem James is still too good a player to retire, but he has said his decision will be a mental one, not a physical one. His skill level and condition are such that he probably could play another five years or so in the league, but gearing up for an 82-game season is a mental grind.
That’s what concerns him.
As James said this week when he put up a triple-double against the Mavericks on Thursday, becoming the oldest player to record a triple-double in league history, his body is not the issue.
“My game is not going anywhere,” James said. “It’s just my body. It’s so many more factors that come with how long will I play the game. I don’t think my game will ever suffer if I decided to continue to go, however long that is. I just think it has to be (pointing to his head). How long can I stay in love with the process?
“Because that’s always been my thing. If I can’t continue to stay in love with the process, then if that goes, then my body’s going to go. And once my body goes, then it’s a wrap.”
If Not the Lakers, Then Who?
Of course, if he does want to play again in 2026-27, he could be in an interesting situation. James picked up his player option on his Lakers contract last offseason, making him a free agent this summer, and able to sign elsewhere. The Lakers have given signals that they’d like to move on from James and build the team around star guard Luka Doncic.
That’s amped up speculation that James will play elsewhere next season, with a return to Cleveland to play for the Cavaliers in a third stint the leading contender.
James is also said to be weighing signing with the Warriors to play with Stephen Curry. The Heat, Knicks and Mavericks are also said to be possibilities.
But that guesswork will all be moot if James decides he’s done playing. And that decision, he says, has not been made.