By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Entering a record-breaking 23rd NBA season, LeBron James has not been shy about considering a 24th year. However, he will become an unrestricted free agent after his 2025-26 journey with the Los Angeles Lakers, with several teams reportedly interested in securing his services for the 2026-27 season.
“I don’t know if LeBron knows what he’s going to do,” said ESPN’s Tim MacMahon on NBA Today, confirming the general picture presented by the 41-year-old forward. “I certainly don’t know what he’s going to do.”
“I know what the rampant speculation is around the league, and that is this summer there’s going to be a reunion and potentially a retirement tour for the ages back home again with the Cleveland Cavaliers next year,” he added.
It all started for the Akron, Ohio, native with the Cavs after being selected with the first overall draft pick in 2003. From his famous departure in 2010 to join the Miami Heat, through his 2014 return, and his tenure with the Lakers since 2018, James has defined eras. While another reunion with his hometown franchise might not be as seismic as previous moves, with other superstars now headlining the league, it remains a compelling option for a potential final season.
However, the four-time NBA champion is in no rush to make a decision, focusing instead on his current assignment with the Lakers.
“My game is not going anywhere,” said James in a postgame interview after becoming the oldest player to record a triple-double on Thursday. “It’s just my body. There are so many more factors that come with how long I will play the game. I don’t think my game will ever suffer if I decided to continue to go, however long that is.”
This season, he has averaged 22.0 points, 7.1 assists, 5.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.6 blocks per contest over 36 appearances.