LeBron James teases retirement with cryptic comments

Few topics spark more speculation in today’s NBA than the future of LeBron James. The Lakers superstar has already confirmed he will return for the 2025–26 season, which will be his 23rd year in the league. What nobody knows, however, is whether that campaign will be his last. The King isn’t giving a clear answer, neither confirming nor denying that the end is coming soon.

For the first time in his legendary career, LeBron will enter a final contract year with no extension on the horizon. He exercised his player option worth more than $50 million instead of declining it to sign a longer deal, leaving the door open to multiple possibilities.

LeBron James opens up on retirement: “It is coming”

Speaking with Complex, LeBron addressed the inevitable question but offered only a small clue: “Retirement is coming. It is coming. It’s just not here just yet.” His brief remarks quickly went viral across social media and sports outlets, fueling the endless debate that keeps the NBA rumor mill spinning. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently added intrigue by suggesting LeBron could even finish his career in another league and that many around him believe this could indeed be his farewell season.

Lakers star ready for record-breaking 23rd season

What is certain is that LeBron will suit up again in the NBA and make history as the first player ever to reach 23 seasons. “I’m not playing another 23 years. Not even another 10,” he joked, making light of the obvious. The four-time champion, widely considered one of the greatest players of all time alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan, continues to redefine longevity with a physique and work ethic that have become his personal brand.

Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists, earning a spot on the All-NBA Second Team and yet another All-Star selection. It’s more of the same for a generational talent who wakes up and goes to bed thinking about basketball, and has done so his entire life. At some point it will end, but not just yet.

LeBron chases another NBA record

This year, LeBron is chasing more milestones. If he stays healthy, he will surpass Celtics legend Robert Parish for the most regular-season games played in NBA history. Parish retired with 1,611 appearances over 21 seasons; LeBron stands at 1,562, just 49 games shy of tying the record and 50 away from breaking it. He’ll turn 41 on December 30, but he’s still outplaying opponents half his age and showing no signs of slowing down.

The question remains: when will the King finally step away?

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