After 22 years in the NBA, Lakers star LeBron James is taking it one season at a time. Following a knee injury in the 2025 playoffs, where the Lakers lost in the first round, James is working his way back to full strength and is confident that he can play up to his usual standards for the 2025-26 campaign.
“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,” James told The Associated Press.
With averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game on 51.3% shooting last season, LeBron was a beast for the Lakers as he helped them climb to the third seed in the West.
LeBron suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in Game 5 of the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was a relatively minor injury, but it was enough to rule James out for the rest of the playoffs. Fortunately, he’s set to return to full strength in what could be one of his final seasons.
While he has yet to sign an official contract, LeBron’s future is uncertain, and nobody knows how much longer he will play. Just a few days ago, he teased a potential retirement announcement, and many suspected it could be the news we’ve all been dreading. Fortunately, it seems he is set on playing at least one more season, thanks to the advice of his kids, who encouraged him to keep following his dreams.
“At this point in my career, you think about when the end is. That’s human nature,” James said. “You think: Is it this year? Or next year? Those thoughts always creep into your mind at this point of the journey. But I have not given it a specific timetable, or date. I’m seeing how my body and family react, too.”
As an unrestricted free agent, LeBron has total control over his basketball future, and he will almost surely re-sign with the Lakers for a short-term, maximum financial deal. With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, they are in a position to compete, and LeBron’s presence could help push them over the top.
That’s not to mention where LeBron’s kids fit in. Bronny is signed to the Lakers for several years, while Bryce will be eligible for the draft by next summer. If the Lakers play it right, they could pair LeBron with both of his sons to create a truly historic dynamic in the locker room. That alone is reason enough for him to stick around.
Another reason is the potential competitive state of the Lakers. With their roster, they have a chance to win the championship, and it’ll give LeBron the send-off he deserves.
With so many variables at play, LeBron and the Lakers have a lot to think about, and they have some major decisions to make, especially regarding their star-studded core. The key to their success next season, besides the play of Luka Doncic, will be the leadership and health of LeBron James. At over 40 years old, James can’t carry a team like he used to, but his impact is still felt in many ways, and the Lakers need everything they can get to overcome immense obstacles in the West.
