As he prepares for his 23rd NBA season, LeBron James remains one of the league’s most enduring forces — and one of its most introspective. At 40 years old, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar is not yet ready to walk away from the game, but for the first time, he’s openly acknowledging that retirement is no longer just a distant concept.
“Those thoughts always creep into your mind at this point of the journey,” James told the Associated Press. “You think: Is it this year? Or next year? But I have not given it a specific timetable. I’m seeing how my body and family reacts too.”
LeBron James Opens Up About Retirement: “Those Thoughts Creep In”
Physically, the wear is undeniable. James played through a knee injury during the Lakers’ first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, a series in which he still managed to average 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. Though the Lakers were eliminated early, James played in 70 games during the regular season, posting All-NBA numbers: 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game, with one of his most efficient shooting campaigns in years.
The grind, though, is heavier than ever. The 21-time All-Star noted that this offseason provides time to rehab his knee and recharge — both physically and mentally — before training camp in September. His focus remains on entering the season as healthy as possible.
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James’ current contract runs through 2026, with a player option for the second year worth over $52 million. Yet, financial incentives aside, it’s clear that personal fulfillment and family are playing larger roles in his decision-making. Having shared the court with his eldest son Bronny this past season, James hasn’t ruled out the possibility of staying long enough to play with his younger son, Bryce, who becomes draft-eligible in 2026.
“My kids said, ‘Dad, continue on your dream. This is your dream,’” James shared. “When you have that type of support … it makes it a lot easier.”
While retirement may be looming, James is not rushing the decision. For now, he remains a presence — still elite, still driven, still listening to his body and his family as he determines when the journey ends.