LeBron James confirms he’s nearing retirement, but not done yet

LeBron James has done it all — four championships, countless accolades, and the NBA’s all-time scoring record. Now at 40, the Los Angeles Lakers icon is still pushing forward, recently picking up his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season — a year many believe could be his last.

This season, LeBron is set to make history once again by becoming the first player in NBA history to play 23 seasons, surpassing Vince Carter’s mark of 22.

While many speculate that the 2025–26 season will be LeBron’s farewell tour, the 40-year-old has remained quiet about his future — until recently. During his “Forever King” promotional tour in China, he finally addressed the speculation.

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“I’m not hinting at anything. Obviously, I know I’m on the other side of the hump, for sure. Come on now, I’m not about to play another 23 years, that’s for damn sure — and I’m not about to play another 10. I’m definitely gearing up to where the end is, I’m not there yet,” James said during an appearance on 360 With Speedy.

“Retirement is coming. It is coming. It’s just not here just yet.”

— LeBron James

(via @SpeedyMorman, @ComplexMusic, h/t @Fullcourtpass) pic.twitter.com/fJxHhk5AR1

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 18, 2025

The number 23 holds a special place in LeBron’s heart. Not only has he worn the No. 23 jersey for most of his career, but he’s now entering his 23rd NBA season. His tour in China was part of Nike’s “Forever King” campaign — celebrating the upcoming release of his 23rd signature sneaker.

Interestingly, the four-time NBA champion has also been spotted picking up new hobbies — particularly golf. However, he was quick to clarify that this doesn’t mean he’s preparing to walk away from the game just yet.

“Listen guys, every time I pick up something new, it does not mean retirement. It’s just something I want to do, just a little hobby. But retirement is coming, it is coming. It’s just not here just yet,” he added.

LeBron’s long-time rival turned friend, Golden State Warriors icon Stephen Curry, is also an avid golfer. Curry even offered to coach LeBron, given his own reputation as a skilled amateur on the links.

Even at 40, LeBron remains the most recognizable NBA player worldwide, and the face of the league. He continues to defy age with his on-court brilliance. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game while shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.3% from three-point range — the fourth-best three-point shooting percentage of his career — across 70 appearances.

There’s no doubt LeBron is closer to the end than the beginning of his historic journey. But as he enters Year 23, the King still has one goal in mind: winning a fifth NBA title, and his first since 2020.

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