LeBron James, at 40 years old, remains a dominant force in the NBA, consistently demonstrating why he is among the league’s elite. The Los Angeles Lakers rely heavily on his creativity and defensive skills making him an indispensable figure on the court. Moreover, his leadership guides head coach JJ Redick’s roster. Yet, despite his enduring prowess, a former NBA player decided to share his opinion about LeBron‘s retirement and his chances of winning a fifth championship.
“The longevity aspect, I think it’s getting a little bit too much now…Because I’m like, dude, what else you want to do? It’s time for you to start thinking about retiring…He ain’t getting no fifth ring unless he buys one…It ain’t happening,” Olden Polynice affirmed on Byron Scott’s Fast Break podcast.
Despite Olden Polynice suggesting that LeBron James should consider retirement, his performance with the Los Angeles Lakers tells another story. He participated in 70 games during the 2024-25 NBA season and averaged 24.4 points per game. Impressively, this made him the second-highest scorer on the team. Furthermore, James excelled in playmaking, averaging 8.2 assists per game and leading the team in this category. Clearly, his influence on the roster remains powerful.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka plans roster changes to boost competitiveness. Furthermore, in his first season as head coach, JJ Redick guided the team to a postseason appearance. With more preparation time, he aims to refine strategies and enhance success with key roster additions. These changes could position the Lakers as strong contenders and increase the chances of securing LeBron James’ fifth ring.
LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after scoring to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer on February 07, 2023.
LeBron James’ longevity is not a matter of luck or fate. Throughout his professional career, he has put a lot of effort into his physical preparation. Luka Doncic even shared on Mind The Game Podcast his thoughts on the veteran’s commitment. “Well, first of all, he shows up like 10 hours before the game…So that was really the main thing. I was like, what? I came to the arena, and he was already done working out. I was like, what?,” he said.
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LeBron James’ contract extends to the end of the 2025-26 season. However, he might not rule out playing beyond that. His physical condition remains excellent, and he continues to make a significant impact with the Lakers. According to his agent, Rich Paul, LeBron evaluates his continuity year by year based on his mental state. Physically, he could keep competing for many more years.
If his youngest son, Bryce James, enters the NBA in 2026, LeBron might find extra motivation to go beyond 2026. The prospect of playing alongside Bryce could be a compelling reason to extend his career. LeBron’s enduring commitment to excellence keeps fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipating his next move.
