Lakers' LeBron James may announce retirement before 2025-26 season, per report

Whether NBA fans like it or not, LeBron James won’t be an active NBA superstar for much longer. 

Based on recent rumblings surrounding the 40-year-old Los Angeles Lakers forward, James may announce his retirement before the 2025-26 season. 

“All the stars have aligned for the 2025-26 season to be James' last, especially since he has always talked about playing 23 years in the NBA, which represents both his and Michael Jordan's iconic number," ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel wrote Saturday.

“Word from Summer League is that if LeBron is to announce his retirement, he will do so in August. Time will tell what the immediate future holds for James.”

James, despite his advanced age, was a highly impactful veteran asset with the Lakers during the 2024-25 campaign. 

The 21-time All-Star can still take over games down the stretch with his high-IQ playmaking and contribute to winning at the highest level. 

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James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per contest in Year 22, shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from deep on a 50-win Lakers squad. 

While several reports have suggested that recent drama between James and the Lakers may cause their partnership to end this summer, it’s far more likely that James will spend his 23rd NBA season (and first full season alongside Luka Doncic) with Los Angeles following its stunning first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

If a 2025-26 farewell tour is on the way, Siegel appears adamant that James will make it known in August.

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