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LeBron James on retiring and what his family deserves

LeBron James is still chasing another postseason run with the Los Angeles Lakers, but his latest comments suggest he is also thinking seriously about life after basketball. The 41-year-old spoke candidly in an interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, offering a rare glimpse into how he views retirement and what comes next once his playing career ends.

James’ remarks come at a pivotal moment. The Lakers hold a 3-1 series lead over the Houston Rockets in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, with Game 5 set in Los Angeles. Despite the team’s strong position, James is coming off a difficult Game 4 performance, scoring 10 points on 2-of-9 shooting with eight turnovers in a 115-96 loss.

Even amid that setback, James reached another historic milestone, becoming the first player in NBA history to record 3,000 career playoff field goals. Still, his focus in the interview extended beyond records or the current series, shifting instead to his long-term priorities.

LeBron James Opens Up on Retirement Plans and Family Priorities

GettyLeBron James poses for a picture with his family

Speaking to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James made it clear that his post-retirement life will center on family and personal time rather than following the same path as former teammates now working in media.

“Hell yeah,” James said when asked if he thinks about retirement. “My wife is going to get a lot of f—ing time because I’ve had to sacrifice not being with my wife a lot because I wanted to be the greatest player that ever played this game.”

He continued by emphasizing the time he plans to dedicate to his children.

“My daughter, I’m going to spend a lot of time with her because I spent the first 11 years of her life — or 12, whenever this s— is over, 13 — being away from her. My youngest son is in college.”

James added that the years spent building his career have come with trade-offs that he intends to address once he steps away from the game.

“My family deserves all my time. And then, me. I deserve my time, too,” he said. “Because I’ve dedicated to this sport for so long that I’ll be happy as f— when it’s all done to get the f— away and give myself some grace.”

He also dismissed comparisons to former peers such as Dwyane Wade, Tracy McGrady, and Carmelo Anthony, who have transitioned into broadcasting roles.

“My journey is going to be my journey,” James said. “I respect everything that they all got going on… But, yeah, I am not really looking at them like that.”

Lakers Playoff Context as LeBron James Eyes Bounce-Back Game

GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James

While James reflected on the future, the immediate focus remains on closing out the Rockets. The Lakers are one win away from advancing to the Western Conference semifinals, where the Oklahoma City Thunder await after sweeping the Phoenix Suns.

James had been a driving force in the first three games of the series, averaging 25.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 8.7 assists while leading Los Angeles to a 3-0 start. Game 4, however, exposed issues with turnovers and offensive execution, areas James acknowledged postgame.

“I mean, obviously, we know coming into the series, we have to protect the ball versus them,” he said. “My turnover was unacceptable.”

Despite the loss, the Lakers remain in control of the series. Historically, teams leading 3-0 in NBA playoff series have never lost, holding a 159-0 record.

James also enters Game 5 with a strong track record in closeout situations. His teams are 41-14 in such games, and he has not lost consecutive closeout opportunities since 2006.

The Lakers could receive a boost with Austin Reaves nearing a return from an oblique strain, while Luka Doncic remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

For James, the balance between present and future is becoming more visible. As he continues to lead the Lakers in the postseason, his comments signal that retirement is no longer a distant concept but an approaching reality, one defined less by basketball and more by time reclaimed with family.