LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, indicated that his retirement from professional basketball may come “sooner than later.” The 40-year-old star reported to his 23rd training camp with the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming season but leaving his retirement intentions ambiguous.
During the Lakers’ media day at their training facility, James shared his excitement about the chance to compete for another championship with the team’s newly revamped roster. “I’m excited about today,” he stated, emphasizing his passion for the game. “I’m excited about the opportunity to be able to play the game that I love for another season.” Despite his enthusiasm, he acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future, saying, “I know it’s a lot sooner than later.”
Acknowledging the Journey
James reflected on his lengthy career, noting the physical toll it takes. “It’s pretty cool to know how many miles I’ve got and still be able to play at a high level,” he remarked. He also mentioned that while age is a reality, he does not allow it to define his performance. “For me, age is kind of just a number, but it is reality, too,” he added. “You look at the history of the game; there haven’t been many guys at my age, especially going into year 23, that have been able to play at a level like that.”
As he gears up for what may be one of his final seasons, James committed to fully investing in the upcoming year, stating, “I just try not to take it for granted and just try to give the game as much as I can, inspire whoever I can.”
Family on the Court
In addition to his personal ambitions, James expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play alongside his oldest son, Bronny James, this season. Bronny, a backup point guard for the Lakers, represents a significant milestone in James’ career. However, he clarified that the idea of potentially playing in the NBA at the same time as both of his sons is not currently on his mind.
James’ younger son, Bryce James, is set to join the freshman basketball team at the University of Arizona this fall. While acknowledging the possibility that both of his sons could be in the NBA next season, he emphasized that each of them has their own path. “I’m not waiting on Bryce,” he said with a smile. “He has his own timeline, I’ve got my timeline, and I don’t know if they quite match up. We’ll see.”
The upcoming season could be pivotal, as fans and analysts alike speculate on whether it will mark the end of an era for one of the most iconic figures in sports history. As the 2025/26 season approaches, all eyes will be on LeBron James and his journey through what may be his final chapter in the NBA.
Fans eager to follow every moment of what could be LeBron’s last season can tune into Sky Sports, the official broadcaster of the NBA in the United Kingdom.
