The 2025-26 NBA Season Could Be LeBron's Last

Here’s A Look Inside LeBron James’ Los Angeles Mansion (1:14)

LeBron James is in his 22nd NBA season and still playing at an incredibly high level.

Through 11 games, James is averaging 24.3 points, 9.4 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game while shooting 45.9% from three-point range and 78.9% from the free-throw line, both career-highs. James also had the chance to make NBA history on opening night, when he and his son Bronny became the first father-son duo to appear in the same game.

Still, James will be 40 years old next month, and he can’t play forever. There’s been plenty of guesswork regarding when the four-time NBA champion will eventually hang up his Nikes, with ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania speculating on First Take Thursday that next year could be LeBron’s final season.

“My sense is next season could potentially be his last season in the NBA,” Charania said. “Now, could he play another season after that, 2026-27? Potentially. Bryce James, his youngest son, class of 2025, maybe Bryce James keeps him around an extra year or two. But I do think next season, All-Star Game in LA, there might be some good momentum there for that.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 22, 2024: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and his son Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) sit next to each other on the bench during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on October 22, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Gina Ferazzi/Getty Images

A 6-foot-4 shooting guard and three-star recruit, Bryce James has Division I offers from Ohio State and Duquesne, but as of now, is not receiving much buzz as an NBA prospect. We’ll see if that changes after his senior season at Sierra Canyon and wherever he plays in college next year.

This week, LeBron actually addressed his future, detailing how he’ll know when it’s time to retire.

“It’s the mind,” LeBron said. “Wherever my mind is, is how the rest of my body is going to go, whatever the case may be. I’m not going to play that much longer, to be completely honest. One year, two years, whatever the case may be. I said the other night that I’m not playing until the wheels fall off. I’m not.

“I’m not going to be that guy. I’m not going to be the guy disrespecting the game because I just want to be out on the floor.”

The Lakers are currently 7-4 going into Friday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs.