The Los Angeles Lakers were defeated in Game 4 by the Oklahoma City Thunder with a solid 4-0 sweep, where they lost with a result of 115-110, and this has raised uncertainty regarding LeBron James’ future in the NBA, whether he will stay with the franchise, choose another destination, or if this is already the end of his career?
After the 2025-26 season, James’ contract with the Lakers will be up. He will become an unrestricted free agent, and the thought of that has sparked debate in NBA circles about whether or not the league’s longest career will finally end.
The Lakers star is 41 years old and has not indicated that he plans to retire. It appeared as though the one certainty was that this would be James’ final year with the Lakers. There was the odd public statement by James’ agent, Rich Paul, last offseason, along with insiders like Marc Stein reporting that the star would either retire or sign elsewhere this summer.
Amid this chatter, James has been linked to the Golden State Warriors and to rumors of a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, in search of a championship in his city before retirement. However, James has made no secret about his affinity for Steph Curry throughout his career.
LeBron James #23 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers walk off the court.
Would LeBron be happy with retirement?
During an April 29 interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James admitted that he has thought about retirement. James revealed he plans to spend a lot more time with his wife, Savannah James, and family whenever this day comes.
“Hell yeah. My wife is going to get a lot of [expletive] time because I’ve had to sacrifice not being with my wife a lot because I wanted to be the greatest player that ever played this game,” James responded when asked about retirement.
“… My family deserves all my time. And then, me. I deserve my time, too. Because I’ve dedicated to this sport for so long that I’ll be happy as [expletive] when it’s all done to get the [expletive] away and give myself some grace.”
LeBron James’ contract
In 2024, James signed a two-year, fully guaranteed $101.35 million contract with Los Angeles. Per year, he has earned $50.67 million on that deal. James began his Lakers career in 2018, signing a four-year, $153.31 million deal to join the team. In 2021 and 2023, he signed two maximum veteran extensions to remain with the Lakers.
The option of staying with the Lakers
The easiest option for James would be to renew with the Lakers and continue playing alongside his oldest son, Bronny James. Does James really want to start over at this point in his NBA career? Signing with the Warriors or the Cavaliers does not guarantee him a fifth championship.
With the way the Lakers played when James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves were all healthy, the superstar may feel like there is some unfinished business in Hollywood. Until James says differently, do not be surprised if the superstar is once again wearing a Lakers jersey next season.
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