Adam Silver Hints at LeBron James' Lakers Return Next Season

NBA Commissioner says he expects the 41-year-old superstar to keep playing despite retirement speculation.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:39pm

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that convey the raw power and intensity of LeBron James' basketball performance, without any identifiable faces or logos.LeBron James' playoff push with the Lakers is fueled by his unrelenting competitive drive and athletic prowess, as captured in this dynamic expressionist illustration.Los Angeles Today

In a recent interview, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed his belief that LeBron James plans to continue playing for the Los Angeles Lakers next season, despite the 41-year-old's advanced age and the ongoing retirement conversation surrounding him. Silver noted that James is still performing at an incredibly high level and has not indicated any intention to walk away quietly.

Why it matters

LeBron James' future has been a major topic of discussion in the NBA, with many speculating about his potential retirement after 23 seasons in the league. Silver's comments provide insight into the league's perspective and suggest that the Lakers organization and the NBA expect James to return for at least one more season, which would have significant implications for the team's roster and championship aspirations.

The details

Silver revealed that he has not spoken to James since the end of the regular season, but he has "every indication" that the 41-year-old superstar intends to keep playing next season. This comes despite James' advanced age and the fact that he is the NBA's all-time leading scorer in several categories. However, Silver noted that James is "still playing at an incredibly high level" and is not just "out there" as an aging veteran.

  • In a recent interview on WFAN, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the LeBron James retirement speculation.
  • Silver's comments came just before the Lakers' first-round playoff matchup against the Houston Rockets.

The players

Adam Silver

The current Commissioner of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA superstar who is playing in his 23rd season, currently with the Los Angeles Lakers.

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What they’re saying

“You know, I want LeBron to play as long as he actually wants to play. I mean, he's not just a 41-year-old player in the league with the most points ever in so many different categories, but he's still playing at an incredibly high level. It's not like he's just sort of out there.”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner

What’s next

The Lakers will face the Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA playoffs, with LeBron James expected to play a central role for the team despite the absence of injured starters Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

The takeaway

Adam Silver's comments suggest that the NBA and the Lakers organization anticipate LeBron James to return for at least one more season, despite the ongoing retirement speculation. This indicates that the league believes James still has the ability to perform at a high level and contribute to a championship-contending team.