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• Updated Apr 16, 2026 at 8:38pm

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CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 30: Bronny James #9 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 30, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

The NBA career of LeBron James may not have a near end in sight after his latest update. Another strong season by LeBron sees him contributing to the Los Angeles Lakers’ success of ending the year with a top four seed. The Lakers will require James to lead the team with both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves expected to miss most of the first round with their respective injuries.

LeBron’s potential retirement next season is a major topic, but a recent report from Tim MacMahon indicates he is feeling better than ever:

“James, for his part, was unfazed by what it would mean for him personally, sources close to him said, because even if he had willingly filled in as the third option behind Doncic and Reaves during L.A.’s winning streak, he never felt as if he needed to do so because of any drop-off in his game. It was just what the team needed at that time.”

The mindset of James is that he’s still playing as great as ever and has yet to experience a real drop off. Doncic and Reaves taking steps forward caused LeBron to take a smaller role and defer to the younger stars. However, James has started to put up incredible stats again in the games without his two co-stars being active over the past few weeks.

How Long Can LeBron James Play?

LeBron has talked about the end nearing for his career, but he never lists an official timeline. Some reporters suggest it could come at the end of this season or more likely after next season, but this report confirms he doesn’t believe he’s declining just yet.

A retirement would come from James wanting to spend his life off the court and no longer wanting to put in the grueling work of thriving in the NBA after turning 40 years old. LeBron could realistically play for another few seasons if he doesn’t want to give up the NBA dream life just yet.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and Lakers all reportedly want to sign James in the offseason to improve their chances of success next season. LeBron will have the chance to decide his own future with his body still holding up after decades in the league.

Lakers Have Best Chance Of Keeping LeBron

The past season of success for James shows a blueprint on his final role in the NBA. LeBron loves getting the opportunity to play with his son Bronny James this season. Recent weeks have seen Lakers coach JJ Redick allowing them to share more minutes together.

Bronny’s improvement and spot on the Lakers could tempt LeBron to return in the offseason and spend his final seasons there. The dream of getting to contend for a title with his son could see the Lakers adding more talent in free agency if James accepts a smaller deal.

However, the recent report about LeBron feeling he’s not in decline could see him giving it a few more seasons. James’ health and mindset have both shown he’s still playing at a high level and could extend his legendary career deeper into the 2020s decade.