LeBron James Considering Retirement After This Season

Lakers star may walk away after current contract expires

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:36pm

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LeBron James, the 41-year-old Lakers superstar, is facing a pivotal offseason as he weighs retirement after this upcoming season. While he remains highly effective, James has acknowledged he doesn't plan to play 'until the wheels fall off' and will likely make a career-defining decision once the season concludes.

Why it matters

James is one of the greatest players in NBA history, so his retirement would mark the end of an era. His decision could have major implications for the Lakers' future and the league as a whole.

The details

According to reports, James has historically taken his time with major career decisions, often waiting until after the season to make announcements about leaving teams or signing with new ones. This suggests he may not rush into a retirement decision during the emotional fog of the season. However, James has also said he doesn't intend to play much longer, raising questions about how much longer he'll continue his Hall of Fame career.

  • LeBron James is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2022-23 NBA season.
  • In 2024, James said he's 'not going to play that much longer', though he didn't specify an exact timeline.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA superstar who has played 20 seasons in the league, winning 4 championships. He is currently a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, it's the mind — wherever the mind is is where the rest of my body's gonna go, wherever the case may be. I don't know. I'm not going to play that much longer, to be completely honest. I don't know how many years that is, if it's one year or two years, whatever the case may be.”

— LeBron James

What’s next

James' future will likely become clearer once the Lakers' season concludes, as he has historically waited until after the season to make major career decisions.

The takeaway

LeBron James' retirement decision will be a pivotal moment in NBA history, as he is one of the greatest players of all time. His choice to continue playing or walk away could have significant implications for the Lakers and the league as a whole.