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SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 15: Chris Paul #3 of the San Antonio Spurs greets LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers before the start of the Emirates NBA Cup game at the Frost Bank Center on November 15, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

The future of LeBron James is up in the air after his season officially ended via the Los Angeles Lakers getting eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder. James had a great playoff run, despite missing Luka Doncic all postseason and Austin Reaves playing through an injury. Most expect LeBron to return for at least one more season, but his friend Chris Paul believes there’s at least a chance he’ll choose to retire.

Paul shared the following insight during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show:

“I know when you get up to that age, 41 or whatever, he didn’t show that he lost the ability to still play at a high level, get himself ready for the games. But it’s the mental aspect of it, right? Even though you’re grateful for the opportunity to play and do all these different things, there’s a point where the off seasons just get a little bit longer and the preparation for each game and the time away from your family is tough.”

Paul referenced the mental element of having to dedicate oneself to another full season of hard work. LeBron’s temptation is staying with his family at home and enjoying the life he’s built instead of putting his all into another season as he turns 42 years old.

Why Most Expect LeBron Back Next Year

Most players of LeBron’s tier of all-time greatness will have a retirement tour with the NBA world knowing it’s their final season ahead of time. James gave no indication he’s retiring beyond saying he’s unsure about his future throughout the season.

This season showed that LeBron is still an All-Star caliber player and performed even better when called upon after Doncic’s season-ending injury. James is still good enough to be a top contributor to a title contender, so it seems more likely he will return at least one more season.

The Lakers reportedly want LeBron back as they use their cap space this summer to improve the roster’s chance of contention. Opposing teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors are expected to challenge the Lakers with offers to tempt James for a chance to retire elsewhere.

How Bronny James Impacts LeBron’s Future

Despite the assumption being that James will continue playing, Paul is right about the desire to just enjoy family time being a great temptation. One thing working in the Lakers’ favor to keep LeBron and hold an advantage over other teams is Bronny James.

LeBron has the chance to continue playing with his son in the NBA and can contend for a title together before he hangs it up. This season saw Bronny and LeBron sharing the court more together with JJ Redick trusting the former to get more reserve guard minutes.

Bronny allows LeBron to play with family instead of having to retire to get all his family time. The unique and historic experience of the father and son teammates may be enough to keep playing while he’s still physically able to perform at a high level. LeBron would shock the NBA world with a retirement announcement now, but Paul doesn’t think it’s impossible.