As Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James enters his 23rd NBA season, speculation surrounding his retirement continues to swirl. This time, the strongest nudge may have come from someone closest to him — his wife, Savannah James.
Savannah James Wants LeBron James to Retire From Lakers Within The Next Year Or So
Support Our LA Firefighters In Style
During a recent dinner outing at New York’s exclusive Flyfish Club with friends including Kevin Love and entrepreneur Edward Smallz, James allegedly said, “[Savannah] wants me to f—ing retire in the next year or so.” The moment, shared on Instagram, quickly fueled conversation about the Lakers star’s longevity and whether next season could be his last. Shams Charania corroborated the statement.
Savannah’s request, while delivered in a casual setting, arrives just as James opted into his $52.6 million player option for 2025-26. The move keeps him in L.A. for at least one more year, but his long-term future remains uncertain.
Balancing Basketball and Family
Savannah, who’s typically kept a low public profile, has shared glimpses into their private life, including the challenges of date nights during a grueling NBA schedule. “My love language is also quality time,” she said in a December podcast appearance. “I’m totally okay spending time on the couch, snuggled up watching TV… We can get into a series and binge it, watch movies, even scary ones.”
Even amid global fame and packed arenas, moments like their quiet sushi night show that the James family values simplicity and time together.
The End Nears—But Not Yet
While LeBron’s future remains undecided, Savannah’s perspective adds a personal layer to the discussion. For now, the King will return for another season—but with each passing year, the voice at home may become the one that matters most.