LeBron James, at 40 years old and embarking on his unprecedented 23rd NBA season, was notably absent from the Los Angeles Lakers` preseason opener due to nerve irritation in his glute. While his jersey hung unworn, his personal cushion on the bench worked overtime, a subtle nod to his veteran status amidst a roster dominated by players born decades later.
During his eventual locker room appearance, donning a “Forever King” shirt, James was asked about his 23rd season. Teammate Austin Reaves playfully interjected, suggesting he had “another five seasons” in him, with a reporter adding, “Why not six or seven, get to 30?” James, with a smirk, responded, “I already set a record,” referencing his unique 23-season career.
Indeed, James stands alone in NBA history with 23 seasons played, surpassing approximately 5,000 players. His record-breaking achievements include the most regular-season points (42,184), most postseason points (8,289), most All-Star selections (21), and being part of the first active father-son duo with Bronny James. Beyond these, his four MVPs, four championships, and four Finals MVPs solidify his legendary status.
Now in his eighth season with the Lakers – his longest tenure with any franchise – James is playing on an expiring contract after opting into his $52.6 million deal for 2025-26 without an extension. The question of retirement loomed at media day, to which James responded, “I don`t know… I know it`s a lot sooner than later.”
The Lakers, who recently acquired 26-year-old superstar Luka Doncic and secured the No. 3 seed last season before a playoff exit, now face James` temporary absence due to sciatica. Adding to the uncertainty, James` agent, Rich Paul, stated that while James understands the Lakers` future-building, he “values a realistic chance of winning it all,” hinting at potential career moves if championship contention isn`t there. This suggests a conflict between what`s “best” and what`s “realistic” for James` future.
Here are the four possible ways this unprecedented season could unfold for James and the Lakers.
- 1. Play Out the 2025-26 Season and Retire as a Laker Afterward
- 2. Play Out the 2025-26 Season and Re-Up with the Lakers on a New Deal
- 3. Start the 2025-26 Season with the Lakers and Request a Trade or Buyout in January or February
- 4. Play Out the 2025-26 Season with the Lakers and Sign Elsewhere as a Free Agent
1. Play Out the 2025-26 Season and Retire as a Laker Afterward
Despite a tenure marked by injuries and organizational shifts, James has found considerable success with the Lakers, including the 2020 championship and achieving his personal goal of playing with Bronny. Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka openly expressed a desire for James to retire as a Laker, calling it a “positive story.”
However, subtle hints suggest a potential farewell tour. A recent Nike ad speaks of his career in the past tense (“They called him the Chosen One… We were all witnesses”), and the Cleveland Cavaliers` “Classic Edition” uniform this season mirrors his rookie style. The NBA schedule itself seems to nod to this possibility, pitting the Lakers against Stephen Curry and the Warriors for both their first home and last road games – a fitting potential send-off for two era-defining players. James himself posted a video after media day with Lenny Kravitz`s “It Ain`t Over `Til It`s Over,” fueling speculation about a possible conclusion.
2. Play Out the 2025-26 Season and Re-Up with the Lakers on a New Deal
The Lakers are projected to have substantial cap space in the summer of 2026, enabling them to offer James a new max contract, potentially a three-year deal worth $188 million, starting at $58.1 million for the 2026-27 season. The key question is how his age aligns with the primes of younger stars like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Both players reportedly enjoy playing with James and want him to stay, with Doncic drawing parallels to his invaluable rookie experience alongside an aging Dirk Nowitzki. The possibility of winning a fifth championship this season could either mark a perfect end or motivate James to pursue a sixth, equaling Michael Jordan`s tally.
3. Start the 2025-26 Season with the Lakers and Request a Trade or Buyout in January or February
Should the Lakers underperform due to injuries or roster issues, James` stated priority to win could lead him to request a trade or buyout mid-season, leveraging his no-trade clause. However, viable destinations are scarce and fraught with complications.
Teams like Cleveland, which would require sending out nearly $90 million in salaries, and Dallas, which would need to shed $12 million without taking any back to become a buyout destination, face significant salary cap challenges and apron restrictions. Furthermore, teams like the Warriors and New York Knicks would be ineligible to sign James if he were bought out due to their apron limitations.
4. Play Out the 2025-26 Season with the Lakers and Sign Elsewhere as a Free Agent
Leaving Southern California would entail a major life change for James and his family, with his wife Savannah and daughter Zhuri residing there, Bronny under contract with the Lakers, and Bryce nearby in Arizona. While several teams, including the Brooklyn Nets, LA Clippers, and Chicago Bulls, might have significant cap space in 2026, James would be entering a free-agent pool alongside other high-caliber players such as Kevin Durant, Trae Young, and James Harden, meaning interest might not be boundless despite his stature.
Ultimately, James` future remains an open question, with his body and unwavering desire to win being key determinants. As a source close to him states, “Everyone is trying to dictate when he`s done and the reality is nobody actually knows.” James himself prefers to stay “present,” acknowledging that the end is “not as long [away as] `The Godfather 2`,” but refraining from focusing on the distant future.