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2d ago

LeBron James Says Retirement 'Is Coming' as Reports Tie Him to Non‑NBA Paths

He is locked into a $52.6 million Lakers option for 2025-26.

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Lebron James speaks onstage during Fanatics Fest NYC 2025 at Javits Center on June 21, 2025 in New York City.
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 103-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Overview

  • In a new Complex interview, James said he is “gearing up to where the end is near” but stressed retirement is not here yet.
  • After exercising his option, James is on an expiring deal and is expected to reach unrestricted free agency in summer 2026 under current contract rules.
  • ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said James has been linked to potentially playing in other leagues, aligning with reporting of summer investor meetings tied to a proposed global tour-style league involving Maverick Carter.
  • Front Office Sports and Bloomberg have reported talks with agent Miško Ražnatović about a new international league seeking roughly $5 billion in funding and a schedule that would not align with the NBA.
  • A new report indicates it is unlikely James will request a trade during the 2025-26 season, though that update is based on a single-source account.