LeBron James has already shattered nearly every longevity record in NBA history—but apparently, he’s not finished. According to longtime NBA insider Marc Stein, the 40-year-old superstar could stretch his career to 25 seasons, something no other player in league history has ever accomplished.
“I believe that LeBron playing 25 seasons, by contrast, is a legit possibility on the board,” wrote Stein. “This is again purely a gut-feel read at the minute, but I certainly won’t be shocked if he plays two more seasons after this one. I’ve already made it clear that I think he will play at least 24. At that point, why not go for a quarter-century?”
Now entering Year 23, James is already the NBA’s all-time leader in points and minutes played. He’s coming off a strong 2024-25 campaign in which he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game on 51.3% shooting, which suggests that he’s still operating at an All-Star level, even as Father Time creeps in.
While James has given no firm timetable for retirement, his current deal with the Lakers runs through the 2025-26 season, and many insiders believe that could be his final year in Los Angeles. Nobody knows for sure what comes next after that, but Stein is betting we’ll see LeBron extend his career even further, perhaps in pursuit of history, legacy, or a final stretch alongside his son Bronny James.
With the Lakers focused on Luka’s success now, James will need to take control of his next chapter if he wants to end things on his terms. As an unrestricted free agent next summer, that will be his best chance to pursue the hero’s send-off he desires. The question is, where will it take him?
Now that Los Angeles is ready to move on, LeBron and his son will have their pick of the league to choose from, but there’s no obvious choice right now. If LeBron really intends to play until 2026, his best bet would be to find a team that’s committed to winning now so that he can make the most of his twilight years.
Regardless of how it plays out, LeBron has already set a new precedent with his amazing longevity. After over two decades of greatness, James is still going strong, and he has yet to lose his status as one of the NBA’s elite. Thanks to amazing self-care and crazy investments in his health, LeBron is redefining what’s possible for aging superstars, and he’s not done yet.
If he plays another two seasons, it will put LeBron on track to break even more records and solidify his claim as the GOAT. Even more amazingly, it could allow him to play with his younger son, Bryce, who will be eligible for the Draft in 2026.
Whether or not he reaches the 25-season milestone, LeBron James has already redefined what longevity and greatness look like in the modern NBA. He’s remained relevant in three different eras, outlasted nearly every rival, and continues to influence the league both on and off the floor.
Now, as he eyes the final act of his unprecedented career, the question becomes not whether LeBron can keep playing, but where, and for what purpose. If he stays healthy and motivated, 25 seasons is more than just a possibility. It might be the perfect way to finish the story of one of the greatest players to ever lace them up.
