Dwyane Wade Predicts LeBron James' Retirement Timeline

The longtime teammates and friends discuss the Lakers star's future plans.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:09pm

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In a recent podcast interview, former NBA star Dwyane Wade shared his prediction that his close friend and longtime teammate LeBron James could play for two more seasons before retiring. James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, has not publicly shared a timeline for his retirement, but Wade believes the 41-year-old Lakers star could play through the 2024-25 season.

Why it matters

James is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, so his eventual retirement will be a major event for the NBA and its fans. Wade's inside perspective as a close friend and former teammate provides unique insight into James' future plans.

The details

During an appearance on The Big Podcast with Shaq, Wade was asked by co-host Adam Lefkoe whether he believes this is James' final NBA season. "I think it depends on what happens this year," Wade responded. When pressed on how much longer James could continue playing, Wade predicted "I think he could play two more [years]."

  • In February 2023, LeBron James became the NBA's all-time leading scorer.
  • James is in the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The players

LeBron James

A 22-time NBA All-Star and four-time league MVP who is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Dwyane Wade

A former NBA player who was teammates with LeBron James on the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers, winning two championships together.

Shaquille O'Neal

A Hall of Fame NBA player who was a co-host on the podcast where Dwyane Wade made his prediction about LeBron James' retirement timeline.

Adam Lefkoe

The co-host of The Big Podcast with Shaq who interviewed Dwyane Wade about LeBron James' future.

Brian Windhorst

An ESPN reporter who speculated that LeBron James' most likely destinations if he leaves the Lakers would be Cleveland, Golden State, and potentially one or two other undisclosed teams.

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What they’re saying

“I kind of look at it like when you lose a loved one, and you have a funeral. People tend to be sad, but it's also a celebration of life. I think, for me, when I'm done with this game, it'll be a celebration of life and not of loss. It'll be a celebration of everything I've been able to accomplish in this game, everything I've put into it. The moments, all the love.”

— LeBron James

“Man, we've been all talking about it. I think it depends on what happens this year. I think he could play two more [years].”

— Dwyane Wade, Former NBA Player

What’s next

The Lakers' performance this season could impact LeBron James' decision on whether to play beyond the 2022-23 campaign.

The takeaway

As one of LeBron James' closest friends and former teammates, Dwyane Wade's prediction that the Lakers star could play for two more seasons provides valuable insight into the future of one of the NBA's all-time greats.