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LeBron James is scheduled to do his own media availability today (Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026) ahead of the NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles, and it’s already reigniting the annual “Is LeBron retiring?” search surge. According to the NBA’s official All-Star schedule, LeBron’s media availability is set for 2:30 p.m. ET.
LeBron James Retirement: Has he announced it?
No. As of Sunday, LeBron has not officially confirmed retirement or announced a final season.
What’s driving the rumors is the timing and setup: LeBron skipped the standard All-Star Media Day and is instead speaking separately on Sunday. That’s not unheard of for him in recent years, but it’s enough to send speculation flying every time the calendar turns to All-Star weekend.
Is LeBron James Retiring?
LeBron’s most recent public comments have leaned toward the same theme: it won’t be about his skill slipping; it’ll be about whether he still loves the grind.
After a recent milestone performance, he emphasized that his game isn’t the issue, pointing instead to the bigger picture of how long he can stay “in love with the process.”
He’s also acknowledged the “last season” possibility more directly at times. In late January, he was quoted saying he’s trying not to take moments for granted because it could be his final season, while also noting he hasn’t made a decision.
So, if you’re looking for the cleanest takeaway going into today’s press conference: LeBron hasn’t declared anything, but he’s also not shutting the door on the idea that the end could be near.
LeBron James News: Why today’s press conference matters
This is one of those rare windows where LeBron can set the tone for the rest of the season (and the offseason) with a few sentences.
The NBA has him carved out for a standalone media slot ahead of tonight’s All-Star action, and that alone adds weight to whatever he chooses to address, retirement, his health, the Lakers’ direction, or none of the above.
A second “why now?” factor: LeBron is 41 and has dealt with availability issues this season — enough that he’s already ineligible for major awards due to the NBA’s 65-game minimum. Reuters reported he missed his 18th game because of left foot arthritis, putting his long All-NBA streak to an end.
LeBron’s 2025-26 season stats (so far)
Even with missed time, LeBron’s production hasn’t cratered. Entering All-Star weekend, he’s at 22.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game (36 games), shooting 50.2% from the field.
And yes, he’s still stacking “how is he doing this at 41?” moment, including becoming the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double in the win over Dallas.
LeBron’s career stats and bio basics
LeBron entered the league in 2003 as the No. 1 overall pick, and he’s now in his 22nd season at age 41.
He’s also the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, with 42,975 regular-season points.
One more All-Star note: Sunday marks his record 22nd All-Star appearance, which underscores why every February “retirement watch” cycle hits harder now than it did even a couple years ago.
So… what should fans watch for at the presser?
If you’re tracking this like a news event, listen for three things:
Any “timeline” language (final season, year-to-year, “see how I feel”).
Health framing (foot management, recovery, workload).
Future structure (he’s on a one-year runway after this season unless something changes).
On that last point: LeBron opted into his $52.6 million player option for 2025-26, meaning this season still has real “what’s next?” stakes once the year ends.
Erik Anderson is an award-winning sports journalist covering the NBA, MLB and NFL for Heavy.com. He also focuses on the trading card market. His work has appeared in nationally-recognized outlets including The New York Times, Associated Press , USA Today, and ESPN. More about Erik Anderson
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