Despite all the trade speculation that has surrounded him all summer, LeBron James will almost certainly be a member of the Los Angeles Lakers when training camp opens several weeks from now and for at least the first part of the upcoming NBA season.
But what he does beyond that is anyone’s guess. He’s going into the final year of his contract, and he’s obviously nearing the end of his career, even though he continued to play at a superstar level last season.
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The 40-year-old has been quiet all offseason, especially when it comes to his plans beyond the 2025-26 campaign. There is a distinct possibility that he will continue to play beyond 2026, but former Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce thinks James will hang up his Nikes next summer.
“If I’m a betting man I think this will be his last season,” Pierce said in a recent interview. “… He’s been the GOAT for so long, he’s maintained the stats, we appreciate what he’s brought to the game and how he’s held the mantle since [Michael] Jordan left. Bron is one of them ones, we appreciate him, but I think his time is up — but we appreciate what he’s done for the league.”
James is going into his 23rd season, which will set a new NBA record for the league’s longest career. His legacy as one of the greatest players in basketball history is secure, and barring some catastrophic scandal, he can only add to his resume at this point.
It is generally assumed that he will want a farewell tour during his final season prior to retirement. In that case, one can be sure that we will know beforehand that he’s about to start his swan song.
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This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Paul Pierce on how much longer he thinks LeBron James will play in NBA