Reports Point to LeBron James Playing His Final Season With the Lakers
The 23rd-year star remains publicly uncommitted, with an expiring $52 million deal alongside 2027 cap planning driving the chatter.
Overview
- Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus is cited for the league “buzz” that this will be James’ last season in Los Angeles.
- Yahoo Sports and Lakers Nation report that James has not decided whether to retire, re-sign, or sign elsewhere after 2025-26.
- James is on an expiring contract after exercising a $52 million player option for this season.
- General manager Rob Pelinka has said he wants James to retire as a Laker, leaving that outcome possible but unresolved.
- Coverage highlights the Lakers’ aim to preserve 2027 cap flexibility and notes age-related minor injuries, including a lingering foot issue, as context for the speculation.