LeBron James has had a career every basketball fan would admire. He still looks in top shape and shows signs that he can be on a championship-contending roster. Although the signs point towards a 23rd season, many have questioned whether retirement is now on the cards for James.
He has maintained silence on his decision to call it a career, but there have been many speculations surrounding the four-time champion. Reports have also mentioned that if he chooses to continue playing next year, he might be on his way out of the Lakers.
Will LeBron James Play Next Year?
Recently, James addressed his retirement and mentioned that he isn’t waiting for Bryce James, his younger son. There were reports that James may also wait for his second child and play with him, a historic feat that he managed to pull off with Bronny James.
During the Lakers’ media day, reporters asked James if he would be around for next year’s media day. In typical fashion, the legend responded bluntly, “Maybe,” which indicates that he isn’t ready to let the world in on his decision. Or it may just tell us that he is still undecided about his career.
“See you next year for media day?”
Lebron: “Maybe.” 🤣🤣
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) September 29, 2025
Fans remain eager to know if James will continue to play. To be realistic, retirement is definitely nearing the NBA legend, but it’s his insane physicality that has helped him reach this far.
“I don’t know when the end is,” James said, elaborating further on Monday during the Los Angeles Lakers’ media day, “but I know it’s sooner than later.” Interestingly, James also revealed that his call to continue or not will probably be a decision away from basketball.
“It’ll be a decision between me and my wife and my daughter,” James said, noting his two sons no longer live in his house. “It won’t be a meeting with my teammates.” However, amid all these, he seems to be still enjoying his game. “I look at my age like the wine that I drink,” James said on Monday. “The older wine I drink, the better it is.”
Can the Lakers Win the Title This Season?
The Lakers’ defense has improved significantly with Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart. Although they do not have an All-Star-level defense, the Lakers’ roster is still good enough to contend for the playoffs.
LEBRON & LUKA ✨
Year 2 of this superstar duo coming soon! pic.twitter.com/bYnDdfcIzh
— NBA (@NBA) September 29, 2025
With Luka Dončić and James leading the charge, the team has one of the best offenses in the league, although one player is nearing the end of his career. Austin Reaves is another player the Lakers have relied on in recent seasons.
Although the departure of Anthony Davis will hurt them, Reaves can fill in that role of a ‘star’ level player apart from Dončić and James.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks boast star-studded rosters and would be the teams to watch in the Western Conference.
The Lakers may not be on their level on paper, but we can never predict what might happen next in the NBA. It would be interesting to see if the Lakers can fix their defensive issues to contend for the title this year.