'It's Coming' - LeBron James Opens Up on His Retirement Plan in 2025-26 Season

This offseason, the Lakers superstar was one of the main protagonists off the court.

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The 2025-26 season will be LeBron James’ 23rd career season and could also be his last. With this number, the Los Angeles Lakers forward will surpass Vince Carter and become the player with the most NBA seasons. However, while the end of his brilliant career hasn’t arrived yet, according to the player himself, it’s not that far away either.

In an interview with Complex Sports, aired this Thursday, LeBron James commented on the possible end of his career in the biggest basketball league in the world. “I’m definitely preparing myself for where the end is near. I’m not there yet,” said the wing. “Retirement is coming. It’s coming. It’s just not here yet.”

This offseason, the Lakers player was one of the main protagonists off the court. First, speculation that LeBron James would retire returned. Then, the forward accepted his player option for next season, and rumors began that it will be his last. Furthermore, his relationship with the Lakers seems far from at its peak, and possible trades have been speculated .

However, LeBron will remain with the franchise for at least one season. After 2025-26, he can sign with any team, return to the Lakers, or retire for good.

LeBron James wants a ‘farewell tour’ according to a journalist

In June, during the Wine and Gold Podcast, journalist Chris Fedor stated that LeBron James will tell everyone before retiring. This is because, according to Fedor, the NBA star will want a “farewell tour” in his final season, contrary to what LeBron James himself has previously stated, when he said he still has doubts about whether or not he wants one.

“Based on everything I know about LeBron and all the conversations I’ve had with people in his circle, I believe LeBron will make it clear he’s retiring before he actually retires,” Fedor said.

He also commented that it won’t be a case of playing in 2025-26 and simply retiring in the offseason. He also stated that “he wants all the glitz and glamour” and that he wouldn’t put it past him to make this announcement on Mind The Game, LeBron James’ podcast with Steve Nash. However, the journalist didn’t comment on when this decision might be made.

Lakers superstar LeBron James is expected to announce his retirement in advance as he wants a “retirement tour.”👑

“He would want the recognition, ceremonies, and celebration of his career across the league rather than quietly retiring in an offseason.”

(via Chris Fedor) pic.twitter.com/8v0a6iIa7K

— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) July 18, 2025
However, retirement shouldn’t be with the Lakers!

According to Marc Stein, the star will not end his career with the Lakers and this will not be his last season in the NBA.

“I anticipate he won’t retire in a purple and gold (Lakers) uniform,” Stein said. “It’s pretty clear at this point that the Lakers have begun the Luka Doncic Era. It certainly seems like they’re looking at the 2025-26 season as LeBron’s last in Hollywood.”

According to LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, the team hasn’t reached out to the forward to extend his contract, which runs through the end of the 2025-26 season. Regarding this, journalist Marc Stein stated that “the 2025-26 season, purely predictively, won’t be LeBron’s last.” However, he emphasized that this is more of a hunch than accurate information.

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Gulshan Sharma

A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.