NBA Rumors: LeBron James reportedly set to make major announcement on career plans

Since the end of the 2024–25 season for the Los Angeles Lakers, following their first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, there has been speculation surrounding LeBron James’ future. Even after opting into his $52.6 million player option with the California franchise, the conjecture hasn’t stopped—and there may be a valid reason why.

“Many around the league are beginning to connect the dots that James may not sign another contract with the Lakers because he may not sign another contract at all,” wrote reporter Brett Siegel, offering a possible explanation for the 40-year-old forward’s recent career decisions.

Digging deeper into that theory, he later added: “Everyone knows that retirement is on the horizon for LeBron, and multiple agents, scouts, and rival team representatives shared with ClutchPoints that they believe James is gearing up to announce he will retire after the 2025–26 season.”

That possibility makes sense for several reasons. First, it would allow James to end his professional career while still performing at an elite level—being a key piece for his team, averaging over 20 points per game, and still being an All-Star.

LeBron James played 75 games with the Lakers last year.

But it also ties into the Lakers’ current situation. Reports have long suggested that the franchise is more focused on building a team for the next decade around Luka Doncic, rather than trying to win now—as LeBron understandably wants, given how little time he has left. “It is clear he isn’t happy with the way things are going with the Lakers, and this would be the best time for him to go out on his own terms,” Siegel explained.

see also

NBA Rumors: LeBron James’ camp addresses his future with the Lakers amid growing speculation

The final records LeBron could break

That LeBron James is reportedly considering retirement not immediately, but after the upcoming season, could be related not only to his desire to keep playing but also to a few historic NBA milestones he’s close to breaking.

“Haven’t we always talked about Year 23 being his last?” ClutchPoints revealed from a conversation with a Western Conference scout. That number is no coincidence: no player in NBA history has played 23 seasons. The current record is 22, shared by LeBron and Vince Carter.

In addition, staying one more year would allow James to break the all-time record for most regular-season games played in league history. He currently ranks second with 1,562 games and needs 50 more to surpass Boston Celtics legend Robert Parish.

LeBron’s plans after retirement

For someone who has dedicated his entire life to basketball, the decision to retire involves more than just stepping away from the game. It also means finding a new pursuit to fill that void—and speculation exists on that front as well.

In the same conversation with that Western Conference source, ClutchPoints cited one possible project James may have in mind for his post-retirement life: “We are out here (in Las Vegas), and the worst-kept secret regarding expansion is that LeBron wants in on the team that will be coming here.”