James reportedly does not intend to retire after the 2025-26 season

LeBron James has played in the NBA for 22 seasons and still played at the MVP level in the 2024-25 season. As a 40-year-old veteran, the oldest player in the NBA. We are all curious about when LeBron James will choose to retire and leave this stage that has been fighting for more than 20 years.

Recently, according to ESPN's Dave McMenaming, 40-year-old LeBron James does not intend to retire and leave the NBA. However, this is revealed by a source close to LeBron James. LeBron James will not make sure that this will be his last season when the 2025-26 season arrives.

"While James has been considering retirement every offseason since 2023, a source familiar with James's ideas told ESPN that at this point, James will not enter the next season and is not sure it will be his last season." LeBron James has been considering his retirement since 2023. Moreover, he was also sarcastic from many fans and media because of his retirement issues. However, for LeBron James, instead of retiring, it is better to continue to compete in the NBA and continue to strive for the championship. Moreover, his ability is at the MVP level, but his physical fitness cannot keep up.

After entering the 2025 offseason, LeBron James is about to usher in his 23rd season of his personal career. LeBron James, who has a $52.6 million player option, has the option to jump out of the contract and sign with any team. Given that Brownie James is still in the Lakers, it is unlikely that LeBron James will leave the Lakers.

LeBron James, who will be 41 years old next season, can continue to perform at the MVP level and help the Lakers become one of the favorite teams to win the championship. After all, in the 2024-25 season, LeBron James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game. His tactical position in the team has declined too seriously and he may become the third man.

LeBron James should not choose to retire yet. After all, if he renews his contract with the Lakers, he can get a two-year contract of at least $110 million. For any veteran, this is an impossible contract. Many stars, even at their peak, cannot get a contract with an annual salary of US$50 million.

In contrast, LeBron James is likely to renew his contract with the Lakers and strive to make more money before retiring. In this way, he can accumulate more wealth and have the capital to become the owner of an NBA team when he retires.