Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has reportedly made a decision on his playing future amid rumors that the 40-year-old could retire this summer.
LeBron James has the chance to opt out of his contract and hit free agency for the first time since 2018, when he left the Cleveland Cavaliers a second time to join the Purple and Gold.
But according to a report from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, sources expect James to “opt in to his $52.6 million player option.” Additionally, it doesn’t sound like James is ready to call it quits after his age-41 campaign, McMenamin reports:
“And while James has considered retirement every offseason since 2023, a source familiar with James’ thinking told ESPN that at this point, James is not entering next season with any certainty that it will be his last.”
James isn’t at his peak anymore, but he’s still a difference-maker who averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game last season. But the Lakers’ promising season, highlighted by the blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic, ended with a disappointing elimination at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the opening round.
Of course, the Lakers only had LeBron James and Luka Doncic together for a couple of months. Doncic alone should be extra motivation for James to continue playing, with a legitimate shot at a fifth championship before he retires.
LeBron James Will Presumably Finish His Career With Lakers
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It’s fun to dream of compelling free agency and trade scenarios, but there’s no indicator that James wants to leave LA for the final season(s) of his career. The Lakers have supplied him with plenty of talent and drafted his son, Bronny, to keep the four-time champion happy.
All signs point to James finishing his career with the Lakers.
