Cavs' LeBron James tribute video: Lakers star gets emotional in hometown as questions about retirement loom

LeBron James has already set the record for most seasons played in the NBA, but it’s unclear whether he plans to extend it.

James has yet to announce any retirement plans, even as the Los Angeles Lakers shift their focus to building around Luka Doncic. The 41-year-old can become a free agent after the season, and one fan base that might want him back is the Cleveland Cavaliers.

On Wednesday, the Cavaliers honored James with a tribute video as his future remains uncertain, drawing some emotion from the NBA superstar.

Here’s a look at James’ reaction to Cleveland’s tribute video and what he might do after this season.

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LeBron James tribune video

While James has played in Cleveland a handful of times since leaving in 2018, the Cavaliers played a tribute video on Wednesday night knowing his playing future is uncertain. Here's a look at the video:

James was seen wiping away tears as his former team paid tribute.

An emotional LeBron soaks in the Cleveland tribute 🥹 pic.twitter.com/SrcXsUIEfl

After the game, James acknowledged his emotions were partly because his future is uncertain. "I'm just trying to take everything in, not take the moments for granted," James said. "Because it could be [my last season]. I obviously haven't made a decision on the future, but it very well could be."

James said he felt "more present" during this trip to Cleveland than others in the past. "Definitely got to me a little bit, for sure," he added.

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Is this LeBron's last season?

James hasn’t decided whether he will retire after this season. He has already set a record by playing 23 NBA seasons, but the 21-time All-Star continues to perform at a high level, even if his production isn’t what it once was.

While some expected an announcement before the season, James has been candid about his uncertainty regarding the future, including where he might play in 2026-27 if he chooses to continue.

James will be a free agent this summer, and the Lakers remain committed to building around Luka Doncic following last year’s stunning trade. That doesn’t rule out a return to Los Angeles, but he could certainly consider other options.

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Could LeBron return to Cleveland?

If James decides to keep playing, could a storybook ending in Cleveland be in the cards? It's possible, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, who reports the Cavaliers "would gladly welcome James back this summer" if he wanted to return.

Speculation about a potential third stint in Cleveland began this past summer when James opted into the final year of his deal with the Lakers but said through his agent that he had to evaluate everything ahead of the 2025-26 season. The Cavaliers, coming off a 64-win season, always seemed unlikely to make such a drastic addition.

With Cleveland taking a step back this season and James set to be a free agent, rather than a trade chip, in the summer, the possibility of a reunion could very well be revisited.

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What has LeBron James said about retirement?

After the Lakers' elimination in 2025, James said retirement was a possibility, telling reporters, "I don’t know the answer to that right now, to be honest. So, we’ll see."

An answer didn't come until James opted into the final year of his contract, with no grand announcement that he would return for a 23rd season. 

In September, James said retirement is coming "sooner than later," which was hardly new information given he is in his 40s, and his comments Wednesday that this "very well could be" his final season were another signal that he is undecided on playing next season.