One of the most, if not the most, decorated NBA resumes is nearing an end. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is in the midst of his 22nd NBA season and is still producing at an All-NBA level. Everything that has been deemed impossible has been made a reality by the kid out of Akron, Ohio.
At the versed age of 39, James continues to outlast Father Time, and could very well retire before losing to the undefeated.
Wednesday night was another historic outing for the “King” as he posted 35 points, 14 assists, and 12 rebounds to notch his third consecutive triple-double in a 128-123 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
However, despite being dominant even after two decades, the question of when James will retire remains uncertain.
The four-time MVP has accomplished everything this sport has to offer and more.
He’s first in all-time points (40,741), top-five in assists (11,112) and field goals made (14,934), and top-10 in games played (1503), steals (2,282), defensive rebounds (9,542) and three-pointers made (2,438).
On Thursday, ESPN’s NBA Insider Shams Charania offered his insight on when he believes James will officially hang it up.
“My sense is next season could potentially be his last season in the NBA,” Charania said on First Take. “Maybe Bryce James keeps him around an extra year or two.”
Could LeBron James Retire After Next Year?
James made NBA history with his eldest son, Bronny, earlier this season by being the first father-son duo to share an NBA court. However, with his youngest, Bryce, being eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft, LeBron could further his goal and aim to play with both of his children.
The soon-to-be 40-year-old still has tread left on his tires, averaging nearly a triple-double with 24.3 points, 9.4 assists, and 8.1 rebounds per game all while shooting his best free-throw and three-point percentages of his 22-year career.
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The Los Angeles Lakers, led by James and Anthony Davis, currently sit sixth in the Western Conference with a 7-4 record and have title aspirations.
If the Purple and Gold do win championship No. 18, James will be the 27th player in NBA history to win five championships and could retire on his rightful throne.
If not, James would still have a player option for the 2025-26 season under his current two-year, $104 million deal if he decides to stay around.
Regardless, the future Hall of Famer will be closely monitored by NBA fans across the globe as his final decision will be awaited.