LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, could be considering retirement after just one more season in the NBA, according to recent reports. The 39-year-old superstar, however, might also be tempted to stick around for a few extra years, potentially to play alongside his youngest son, Bryce James.
As the 2024-25 NBA season gets underway, LeBron James continues to defy expectations and show that he can still perform at an elite level. Despite turning 40 next month, the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player has been off to a blazing start this season, recording three consecutive triple-doubles.
Currently in his 22nd season in the league, LeBron is showing no signs of slowing down, although questions about his retirement have started to resurface.
NBA insider Shams Charania recently weighed in on LeBron’s potential future, sparking more speculation about when the basketball legend might choose to walk away from the game. “My sense is next season could potentially be his last season in the NBA,” Charania said during a segment on ESPN. “Could he play another season after that to 2026 or 2027? Potentially.”
LeBron has previously stated that one of his lifelong dreams was to share the court with his son, Bronny James, in the NBA. That dream became reality this year when Bronny, 19, made his NBA debut with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The father-son duo made history by becoming one of the rare cases where a father and son played simultaneously in the league, creating an unforgettable moment for both the James family and basketball fans.
But LeBron’s other son, Bryce James, may also have an influence on his future in the NBA. Bryce, now 17, is showing great promise as an emerging young talent. The younger James is expected to be eligible for the NBA Draft as early as 2026, and some believe that LeBron might stick around long enough to share the court with him as well.
Charania hinted that Bryce could be the key to extending LeBron’s career. “Maybe Bryce James keeps him around an extra year or two,” Charania admitted.
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He added that there could be additional motivation for LeBron to play at least one more season beyond this one, especially with the 2026 NBA All-Star Game set to take place in Los Angeles. “Next season, All-Star Game in LA, there might be some good momentum there for that,” Charania explained.
The Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron’s current team, have started the 2024-25 season strong, boasting a 7-4 record in the competitive Western Conference. Charania noted that the Lakers have a legitimate chance to compete for the NBA title this year, provided they can keep both LeBron and his co-star Anthony Davis healthy throughout the season. For the Lakers, having LeBron on the roster is an invaluable asset, as his leadership and experience are key factors in their quest for a championship.
LeBron, for his part, has remained open about his potential retirement but hasn’t provided a definitive timeline.
During a recent media session, LeBron shared his thoughts on the matter, offering some candid insights into his future. “I’m not going to play that much longer, to be completely honest,” LeBron told reporters on Wednesday. “I don’t know how many years that is. If it’s one year or two years, whatever the case may be.”
While LeBron has continued to perform at an incredibly high level, he emphasized that he doesn’t plan on extending his career to the point where he feels he can no longer play at an elite level. “I said the other night, I’m not playing until the wheels fall off,” he added. “I’m not going to be the guy who is disrespecting the game because I just wanted to be out on the floor. That won’t be me.”
LeBron James’ career has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has won four NBA championships—two with the Miami Heat, one with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and one with the Los Angeles Lakers.
In addition to his NBA accolades, he has also won three Olympic gold medals, establishing himself as one of the most decorated basketball players in history. His influence on the game has extended far beyond the stat sheet, as he has inspired countless young players, including his own sons.
The possibility of LeBron playing alongside both of his sons in the NBA is a storyline that has captivated fans and analysts alike. Should Bryce follow in Bronny’s footsteps and make it to the league, LeBron would have the unprecedented opportunity to play with both of his children—something no other NBA player has done. The idea of a father playing in the NBA alongside two of his sons is a scenario that speaks to the remarkable longevity and talent of LeBron James.
For now, LeBron remains focused on the task at hand—leading the Lakers through another challenging season and aiming for yet another championship.
While the timeline of his retirement remains uncertain, one thing is clear: LeBron James has nothing left to prove.
Whether he decides to retire after one more season or extend his career for a few more years to play with Bryce, his legacy in the NBA is already cemented as one of the greatest of all time.
Fans will undoubtedly savor every remaining moment of LeBron’s illustrious career, knowing that the end of an era is drawing near, but also hoping for the possibility of witnessing more history if he continues on.
