After the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the NBA Playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, questions quickly surfaced about LeBron James’ future. However, according to recent reports, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer is not planning to walk away from the game just yet.
James is expected to return for what would be his 23rd NBA season—potentially surpassing Vince Carter (22 seasons) as the league’s longest-tenured player. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports that the 40-year-old forward still isn’t viewing the upcoming campaign as his final one.
“While James has considered retirement every offseason since 2023, a source familiar with James’ thinking told ESPN that at this point, James is not entering next season with any certainty that it will be his last,” McMenamin wrote.
James has also been working his way back from a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee, suffered during Game 5 of the series against the Timberwolves. According to McMenamin, the Lakers star has been training with his son, Bronny James, during his recovery.
Bronny James #9 stands by LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
“But before his return to the court, he had been training in the weight room with his son, Lakers guard Bronny James, sources told ESPN, their first extended offseason together after last summer’s Paris Olympics,” McMenamin added.
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What’s next for the Lakers
The Lakers are set to open NBA Summer League with Bronny James on the roster in a marquee matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on July 10, a game that could mark the debut of No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.
The franchise has confirmed that Bronny James will be part of the Lakers’ Summer League roster. He’ll be joined by Adou Thiero, selected in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft; two-way signee Eric Dixon; and RJ Davis, who joined the team on an Exhibit 10 contract.
