Even kings aren’t immune to the pressures of home life, and for LeBron James, the greatest basketball player of his generation, that reality is beginning to show.
According to a report by ESPN’s Shams Charania, James’ wife, Savannah James, has privately expressed her desire for the Lakers superstar to consider stepping away from the game sooner rather than later.
During a recent dinner in New York City with close friends, including Miami Heat forward Kevin Love and their spouses, one guest captured a candid moment on Instagram. In the background, LeBron can be heard saying, “[Savannah] wants me to f***ing retire in the next year or so.”
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It was a rare unfiltered glimpse into the off-court pressures the 40-year-old legend now faces.
From a family standpoint, Savannah’s request is completely understandable. She and LeBron have been together since their high school days in Akron, Ohio, a relationship spanning over two decades.
The couple has been married for 12 years and shares three children: Bronny, Bryce, and Zhuri. Bronny James is now officially in the NBA, and Bryce, meanwhile, is committed to Arizona and could join the league within the next year or two.
For Savannah, the idea of her husband, who has given his entire adult life to basketball, stepping away to finally enjoy time with their family is more than reasonable. It’s overdue.
And yet, LeBron isn’t done. At least not yet.
Just days after that dinner, James officially opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season.
He will now enter a record-breaking 23rd year in the NBA, surpassing Vince Carter for the most seasons played, and shows no signs of treating this as a farewell tour. Sources close to the James camp have told ESPN that LeBron is not approaching next season with any certainty that it will be his last.
For now, the legendary forward continues to balance two worlds: the relentless pursuit of greatness and the call to return home.
James still plays at an elite level, averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game last season on 51.3% shooting. He remains one of the most efficient and impactful players in the league, even as his minutes are carefully managed.
But the long grinds of road trips, constant scrutiny, and never-ending title expectations may wear more heavily now than ever before, not just on LeBron, but on the people closest to him.
Savannah’s gentle but firm nudge is likely rooted in concern. Her husband has nothing left to prove. He’s a four-time champion, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, and the face of an era.
And now, with one son beside him on the court and another soon on the way, the idea of retiring while still at the top might be the most poetic end possible.
But for now, the King continues. One more season. One more shot. And perhaps, just maybe, one last dance before answering the call of home.
