Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht has added fuel to the most unpredictable storyline of the offseason: the future of LeBron James. Speaking to TMZ at LAX, Knecht revealed that the four-time NBA champion told him directly he could see himself playing for another five to ten years.
And to make it even more fascinating, Knecht said
“He said he can play another 5, 10 years. So, me and ‘Bron could run it for another five, 10 years. Why not?”
Knecht’s comments come on the heels of a cryptic commercial LeBron dropped on social media earlier this week, which reignited speculation about a possible retirement.
The commercial had fans panicking. ESPN’s Shams Charania even hinted earlier this month that Year 23 could be LeBron’s swan song. But Knecht’s bombshell comment might flip the narrative once again. If James really is considering five more years or even ten, it would extend an already unprecedented career deep into his 40s.
It sounds insane… until you remember who we’re talking about.
LeBron is coming off a 2024–25 season where he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists while shooting over 51% from the field. He made another All-NBA team, led the Lakers to the postseason, and showed no signs of physical decline despite being the oldest active player in the league.
And with Luka Doncic now on the roster, the Lakers are still positioned to compete for a title.
But even beyond the stats and accolades, LeBron has a deeply personal reason to stay in the league, and everyone knows it. He’s already made history by playing with his son, Bronny James.
But with Bryce James draft-eligible in 2026, the idea of playing with both sons is clearly on LeBron’s mind. If his body holds up, that storyline alone could keep him going for another two seasons at minimum.
Meanwhile, off the court, LeBron is already fielding offers. ESPN reportedly wants him as a lead NBA analyst once he retires. He’s also long expressed interest in owning an NBA expansion team, particularly in Las Vegas, and his media company, SpringHill Entertainment, continues to grow.
Knecht’s insight gives a rare peek behind the curtain. LeBron may be playing the media game as always, but to the people close to him, retirement doesn’t seem imminent. And for a young player like Knecht, the idea of growing alongside a legend like James for half a decade is invaluable.
He already had a strong rookie campaign and was nearly traded last season, but his chemistry with LeBron could make him a long-term fixture in Los Angeles.
So, will we really see LeBron in his 40s dishing lobs to Knecht and Bronny… and Bryce?
At this point, “Why not?!” doesn’t sound so far-fetched.
