Overview

• Pierce said, “If I’m a betting man, I think this will be his last season,” a forecast echoed across multiple outlets.
• James has made no retirement announcement, and discussion of a potential farewell tour remains speculative.
• He exercised a $52.6 million player option to stay with the Lakers for 2025-26 and retains contract protections that make a trade unlikely.
• Entering his 23rd season at age 40, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds last year and became the first player to reach 50,000 points.
• Lakers GM Rob Pelinka says the franchise is building around James and Luka Doncic with a title push targeted for next season.