LeBron James is once again pushing back the curtain on retirement, and according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the King isn’t ready to give up his throne just yet. While speculation continues to swirl about when the 40-year-old will walk away from the NBA, sources close to James now say he is not approaching the 2025-26 season with any certainty that it will be his last.
“While James has considered retirement every offseason since 2023, a source familiar with James’ thinking told ESPN that at this point, James is not entering next season with any certainty that it will be his last.”
This comes despite the fact that James has contemplated retirement in each offseason since 2023. Now entering his 23rd season and poised to opt into his $52.6 million player option, LeBron is making it clear that his tank isn’t empty. He’s still producing at an elite level, still motivated, and most importantly, still hungry to compete.
James, who turns 41 in December, is already back on the court after suffering a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during Game 5 of the Lakers’ first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Though the injury ended his postseason early, LeBron resumed on-court activity this week and has reportedly been training alongside his son Bronny James, marking the first extended offseason the two have shared following last year’s Paris Olympics.
“I have a lot of time to take care of my injury, my knee, the rest of my body, and make sure I’m as close to 100% as possible when training camp begins in late September,” LeBron told The Associated Press, reinforcing his commitment to returning at full strength.
Despite the injuries and wear-and-tear of two decades at the highest level, LeBron continues to defy time. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists while shooting 51.3% from the field, numbers most players in their prime would envy. He helped lead the Lakers to the third seed in the Western Conference, even amid roster changes and coaching turnover.
Retirement rumors briefly reignited earlier this month after a cryptic commercial aired featuring LeBron, fueling talk that he might call it quits. Shams Charania even hinted that Year 23 could be his final act: “Year 23 for No. 23.”
But for now, it appears the King is planning to extend his reign.
According to sources, LeBron’s family, especially his children, played a key role in nudging him to keep going. His son Bronny was drafted by the Lakers, setting up the historic moment of father and son of playing side-by-side for the first time in NBA history.
While ESPN is already preparing to offer James a post-retirement analyst job, they may need to wait. LeBron isn’t done adding chapters to his legend. If anything, his legacy now includes durability, longevity, and an unrelenting will to play. For now, retirement can wait because LeBron James isn’t finished. Not yet.
