Helena Frye
As of May 2025, LeBron James has not retired from basketball. However, after the Los Angeles Lakers were knocked out of the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, James, 40, stated that he was unsure about his future in the NBA. James has played 22 seasons in the NBA and has a player option to return to the Lakers for the 2025-26 season worth $52.6 million. While he has not made any official announcements about his future, all indications suggest he is preparing to return for his 23rd NBA season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Retirement status | LeBron James has not retired from basketball as of May 2025 |
| Retirement plans | James is undecided about his future in the NBA |
| Factors influencing retirement plans | - Physical exhaustion |
| - Age | |
| - Desire to win another championship | |
| - Family | |
| - Potential roster changes |
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What You'll Learn
LeBron James is undecided about retiring from basketball
LeBron James, the NBA Hall of Famer, has had a remarkable 22-year-long career in basketball. However, at 40 years old, he is undecided about retiring from the sport.
Following the Los Angeles Lakers' first-round playoff exit, James shared his uncertainty about his future in the game. He stated that he would reflect on his career with his family and support group, but emphasised that he did not know how much longer he planned to play. "I don't know the answer to that right now," James admitted.
James's recent seasons with the Lakers have been eventful, with his son, Bronny James, joining the team. The father-son duo made history as the first to play together in the NBA. James expressed that playing alongside his son was one of the most gratifying experiences of his career.
Despite his age, James continues to perform at a high level. He averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game in his most recent season. With the Lakers only a few strategic moves away from contending for a championship, many expect James to return for another season.
However, James's decision will depend on various factors, including his physical condition and the team's roster changes. While he has not made any official announcements, James's dedication to the sport and his desire to win another championship may motivate him to continue playing, even if it means joining a different team.
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James' son, Bronny, plays for the Lakers
As of 2025, LeBron James has not retired from basketball. In fact, he is currently playing alongside his son, Bronny James (born LeBron James Jr.), at the Los Angeles Lakers, making them the NBA's first-ever active father-son duo.
Bronny, who was born on October 6, 2004, played high school basketball for Chatsworth Sierra Canyon in the San Fernando Valley before moving on to the University of Southern California. In 2024, he was drafted to the Lakers, making history as the first player to be drafted into the NBA while his father was an active player.
Bronny's journey to the NBA was not without its challenges. Before playing a college game, he suffered cardiac arrest, requiring a series of medical tests. However, he recovered well and was able to complete a full freshman year. During the 2024 NBA Draft Combine, he showcased improved shooting skills, which, along with his passing, physical skills, and basketball IQ, impressed scouts and contributed to his draft selection.
As a Laker, Bronny signed a four-year, fully guaranteed contract. While he initially faced accusations of nepotism due to his father's status with the team, he has since proven his worth. As of writing, Bronny has appeared in 20 NBA games for the Lakers, averaging 1.7 points and shooting 26% from the field in about five minutes per game. In a recent game against the Denver Nuggets, Bronny demonstrated his value by making a crucial 3-pointer in a pressure situation, along with contributing a steal and defensive plays.
The opportunity to play alongside his son has been a highlight for LeBron, who shared his gratitude during a press conference: "To be able to play the game that I love and to be able to be alongside my son... this whole year has been one of the most gratifying, satisfying journeys I've ever been on."
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James has played 22 seasons in the NBA
As of May 2025, LeBron James has not retired from basketball. In fact, he has played 22 seasons in the NBA, and his performance remains impressive.
James was drafted first overall in the 2003 National Basketball Association draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He played for the Cavaliers through the end of the 2009-10 season. During his time with the Cavaliers, James led the NBA in scoring during the 2007-08 season and earned first-team All-NBA honours. In the 2008-09 season, he piloted the Cavaliers to a team-record 66 wins, which helped him earn the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award.
James then moved to the Miami Heat. During his first stint with the Heat, he won the NBA championship and was named finals MVP. He returned to the Cavaliers for a second stint, taking the team to the NBA finals four times in a row and winning one championship.
James later joined the Los Angeles Lakers, with whom he won the franchise's 17th NBA title in 2020. In 2024, he became the first NBA player to score 40,000 points. That same year, his son Bronny was drafted to the Lakers, making them the first father-son duo to play in the NBA at the same time.
James has achieved numerous milestones during his 22 seasons in the NBA. In January 2023, he became the NBA's all-time leading scorer, surpassing the previous record set by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In November 2024, he became the first player in league history to reach 39,000 career points. James also holds the record for the most minutes played in NBA games during the regular season and playoffs.
Despite his long career, James continues to play at a high level. He averaged impressive numbers in points, rebounds, and assists during the 2024-25 season. While he has not confirmed his return for a 23rd season, there is an expectation in league circles that he will indeed return.
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James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain
As of May 2025, LeBron James has not retired from basketball. However, he has expressed uncertainty about his future in the NBA, stating that he needs to consider how much longer he wants to continue playing. James's comments came after the Los Angeles Lakers were knocked out of the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. At 40 years old, James is contemplating how much longer he wants to continue playing basketball at the highest level.
James's contemplation about retirement comes after he suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The injury occurred with 8:39 remaining in the fourth quarter when James collided with Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo, who ran into his knee while setting a moving screen. James immediately left the game and had his knee examined. He returned to the contest with 7:23 to play but was unable to prevent the Lakers from losing to the Timberwolves, 103-96.
A Grade 2 MCL sprain typically requires a three-to-five-week recovery period, during which the patient must refrain from putting weight on the affected knee. The MCL (medial collateral ligament) is located on the inner side of the knee and is crucial for providing stability to the joint. A Grade 2 sprain indicates a partial tear of the ligament, resulting in moderate instability.
The treatment for such an injury typically involves RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) therapy, along with pain management and anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy is also often prescribed to restore range of motion, strength, and stability to the knee. In some cases, a brace may be recommended to immobilize the knee and provide additional support during the healing process.
The recovery timeline for James's injury is estimated to be three to five weeks, which means he would likely have missed subsequent playoff games had the Lakers advanced past the first round. This injury adds to the list of ailments James has dealt with throughout his illustrious career, including previous knee issues, back strains, and various other bumps and bruises. Despite his advancing age, James continues to perform at an exceptionally high level, showcasing his remarkable durability and dedication to his craft.
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James is still playing at a high level
LeBron James is undecided about his future in the NBA. While he has expressed uncertainty about how many more years he wants to spend on the court, he is still performing at a high level. In his most recent season, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game, demonstrating that he can still compete with the best in the league.
James's dedication to the game and his pursuit of another championship are also evident in his willingness to put in the work necessary to perform at this level. Despite the physical demands of competing at 40 years old, James appears motivated to continue playing. He has also expressed his desire to play alongside his son, Bronny, who was drafted to the Los Angeles Lakers, making them the first father-son duo to play in the NBA simultaneously.
The Lakers' roster changes and the potential addition of a rim-protecting center could further enhance James's performance and the team's title aspirations for the upcoming season. James's impact extends beyond the court, as his presence at the All-Star Game in Los Angeles could turn it into a celebration of his illustrious career.
While James has not made any official announcements about his future, all indications suggest that he is preparing to return for his 23rd NBA season. His passion for the game, coupled with the opportunity to play with his son and compete for another championship, seem to be driving factors in his decision-making process. James's impact on the court and his influence on the league remain undeniable, even as he contemplates his future in the game.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Lebron James has not retired from basketball. He has, however, stated that he is unsure about his future in the sport.
After the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, James said, "I don't know. I don't have an answer to that. Something I'll sit down with my family, my wife and my support group and just kind of talk through it and see what happens. Just have a conversation with myself on how long I want to continue to play. I don't know the answer to that right now, to be honest. So, we'll see."
Lebron James is 40 years old.
Lebron James has played 22 seasons in the NBA.
