Los Angeles Lakers minority owner Jeanie Buss recently commented on superstar forward LeBron James’ retirement remarks over All-Star weekend.
In a recent interview with Alex Sherman of CNBC Sports, Buss shared her thoughts on James and his future with the Lakers. The 64-year-old sounded doubtful that James would be returning to L.A. next season.
"Never say never, but you know, he certainly hasn't given an indication," Buss said. "He's earned the right to decide how his career will go, and you know, he continues to impress."
Now in his unprecedented 23rd season, the 41-year-old superstar continues to add to his resume. James made his 22nd All-Star appearance in 2026 after once again being voted in.
More news:Lakers' Rebuild Around Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves Raises Questions About LeBron James Future
James is nearer to the end than he is to the beginning. The four-time champion spoke about his future in basketball over All-Star weekend. He laid out his plans for next season with his impending retirement looming, but did not offer any insight.
"I want to live," James said. "When I know, you guys will know. I don't know. I have no idea. I just want to live, that's all."
It remains unclear whether James will hang up his sneakers at the end of this season.
If so, it won’t be due to his lack of productivity on the court. James showed that he can still play with the best of them, averaging 22.0 points per game, 5.8 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 50.2 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from beyond the arc in 33.3 minutes of action and 36 games.
What Does the Lakers Future Look Like Without LeBron James?
A future without James in the purple and gold would be strange. He’s spent the last eight seasons in L.A. and revived them after their dreadful seasons in the mid-2010s. Nonetheless, the Lakers are clearly moving in a direction led by Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Doncic is the clear face of the Lakers, and Reaves has proven that he can be a key piece in a title-contending team. The two have also proven to have incredible chemistry on and off the court.
However, it is Doncic whom the Lakers are building around. Buss made that clear in her interview with Sherman.
“The partnership will give us the stablity to continue to move forward as we build towards a team around Luka Dončić who is the No. 1 vote getter in the All Star Game and we couldn't be more proud that he's a Laker."
The 26-year-old will be the focal point moving forward, while James’ future with the team and in the league is hanging in the balance.
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