LeBron James focused on finishing season with Lakers amid retirement talk

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in National Basketball Association (NBA) history—if not the greatest outright. His résumé speaks for itself, highlighted by four NBA championships, four MVP awards, and the distinction of being the league’s all-time leading scorer, a milestone that further cemented his legendary status.

Now in his 23rd NBA season, James continues to defy age and expectations. At 41 years old, speculation has intensified regarding how much longer the future Hall of Famer will remain in the league. With the 2025–26 season underway, questions have resurfaced about whether James will choose to retire at season’s end or extend his remarkable career for at least one more year.

James is currently in his eighth season with the Lakers, making it the longest single stint he has spent with any franchise throughout his career. That tenure has now surpassed his first run with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2003 to 2010, where he first emerged as a generational talent and transformed the franchise into a perennial contender.

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Amid growing retirement chatter, NBA insider and ESPN reporter Shams Charania provided insight into James’ immediate future during an appearance on The NBA via ESPN. According to Charania, James remains focused on finishing the current season with the Lakers before assessing his options during the offseason.

Shams on LeBron James future:

“I think LeBron in his mind he is finishing this season in LA… There is people in LeBron circle that do believe he is going to go one more year. If he does there is definitely chatter of where that could be. Could that be in Cleveland?” pic.twitter.com/p0rGYRJyPC

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) January 28, 2026

“I think LeBron in his mind he is finishing this season in LA. He’s got no trade clause. There are people in LeBron’s circle that do believe he is going to go one more year. If he does there is definitely chatter of where that could be. Could that be in Cleveland? Could that be in LA, so that’s up for debate for sure, but right now LeBron’s mindset is locked in on this Lakers team,” Charania said.

Charania’s comments underscore the uncertainty surrounding James’ next move, while also emphasizing that the veteran star remains fully committed to the Lakers’ present campaign. With a no-trade clause in his contract, James retains complete control over his immediate future, allowing him to weigh competitive goals, legacy considerations, and personal priorities as he approaches the twilight of his career.

Despite his age, James continues to perform at an elite level. Through 29 appearances this season, he is averaging 22.0 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game, while shooting an efficient 50.2 percent from the field, 32.1 percent from three-point range, and 74.8 percent from the free-throw line. His sustained production has been vital to the Lakers as they navigate a highly competitive Western Conference.

As the season progresses, James’ play—and every appearance—carries added significance. Whether this campaign marks the final chapter of his storied career or merely another milestone in an unprecedented run of longevity remains to be seen. For now, LeBron James remains locked in with the Lakers, continuing to add to a legacy that has already reshaped the history of the NBA.

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