LeBron James is entering his 23rd NBA season and, despite growing speculation about his future, a league executive believes his retirement may be faster than earlier.
The Lakers star will become an unrestricted free agent next summer, his first public offering since 2018.
An NBA director said James will only withdraw under one specific condition after the 2025-26 season.
“I think LeBron plays for one or two seasons unless the Lakers win the game,” the executive said every day through the Lakers. [James] Will be eligible for the 2026 draft. LeBron wanted to play some whispers with him, too. We're going to see what happens, but I just can't see LeBron retire after next season. He was still too good to walk away. Unless there is a huge drop in his work or the Lakers win the championship, I think LeBron plays in 2026-27. ”
The 40-year-old showed no major signs of major decline.
Last season, he made 70 games, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists, while shooting 51.3% from the field and Deep’s shooting percentage was 37.6%. He was named the second-ranked team in the NBA and finished sixth in the MVP vote.
Still, his long-term plan remains a mystery.
James “has a connection to other league games,” Brian Windhorst noted in his basketball collective podcast, adding that he “can't see James slowing down, not getting hurt.”
LeBron James has a connection to other league games. Every @windhorstespn
“I keep hearing people, it's probably last year, it's probably last year. Look, he has a connection with other league games. I may not know. But if he stays healthy, I'll… pic.twitter.com/ine1bdjf1y
– basketball on𝕏 (@basketballonx) September 16, 2025
Read more: Tracy McGrady
