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As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to open the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets, commissioner Adam Silver offered insight into LeBron James’ future, indicating that the 41-year-old is expected to continue his career into next season.
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Silver addressed James’ outlook during an appearance on The Carton Show on WFAN with Craig Carton on Friday, as the Lakers prepare for Game 1 on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. PT on ABC.
“Let me ask you about my favorite player to talk about, LeBron James. Obviously, he’s the only player that’s ever been given his own patch—a couple of them—as he’s achieved things no other player has achieved. Has he talked to you guys yet about coming back for one final year? Do you have any insight into his plans in that regard? I assume you want him back.”
Silver responded:
“You know, I want LeBron to play as long as he actually wants to play. I mean, he’s not just a 41-year-old player in the league with the most points ever in so many different categories, but he’s still playing at an incredibly high level. It’s not like he’s just sort of out there.”
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Carton followed up:
“Yeah, it’s unfortunate that Austin Reaves got hurt and Luka got hurt, because they started playing their best basketball of the year and got to the three seed before those two guys got hurt.”
Silver added:
“Yeah, but he—no, I haven’t talked to him since the season ended. I mean, I have every indication that he plans to keep playing next season.”
LeBron James leads Lakers into Rockets series as Adam Silver hints at 2026-27 return
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
James is set to begin his 19th postseason, continuing a career that has spanned more than two decades while maintaining high-level production. He finished his 23rd NBA regular season averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game while shooting 51.5% from the field and 31.7% from three-point range across 60 games.
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He elevated his play to close the regular season, guiding the Lakers through a stretch without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves due to injuries. Over the final four games, James averaged 25.5 points, 11 assists, 6.8 rebounds and 2.5 steals while shooting 55.7% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range, helping Los Angeles secure the No. 4 seed with a 53-29 record.
As the Lakers enter their first-round series against Houston, James remains central to their postseason hopes. Silver’s comments reinforce the expectation that, barring any change, James will continue into the 2026-27 season, extending one of the most durable and accomplished careers in NBA history.
With questions about his long-term future persisting, the immediate focus shifts to the playoffs, where James will once again be tasked with leading Los Angeles in pursuit of another deep run.
Related: Lakers’ playoff X-factor vs. Rockets with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves injured
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