Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James could be preparing to enter the final season of his illustrious NBA career.
LeBron James' future has been a topic of conversation for much of the past half-decade. While speculation has loomed large about when he will call it quits on his legendary NBA career, he chose to pick up his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season.
The decision ensures that he will return for his NBA record 23rd season. Recent reports have suggested that, despite ongoing rumors, James will be back with the Lakers for his eighth season -- marking his longest consecutive stretch with one franchise.
Dave McMenamin of ESPN recently revealed that it could mark the four-time MVP's final season of his legendary career.
"I think we have to start thinking about if this could be his last year in the league," ESPN's Dave McMenamin stated Wednesday. "Rich Paul told me, 'yeah, there's no extension talk because we didn't ask for an extension, we didn't approach the subject'. Now, you could say, well why didn't the Lakers offer it?"
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"Sure, you could, but Rich Paul's point to me was this wasn't a point of tension, that it's not something that (they) were pursuing," McMenamin continued. "I think you look at it like, yeah, there's very limited time remaining in his career -- we already kind of knew that basically since he reached 20 years in the league. He's gone into every season contemplating retirement."
It is no surprise that James is considering ending his career following the 2025-26 season as he will break a tie with Vince Carter for the most seasons played. While he could be entering his final season, the NBA's all-time leading scorer continues to play at an elite level.
He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 51.3% from the field, 37.6% from three-point range and 78.2% from the free-throw line. James finished sixth in MVP voting and earned second-team All-NBA honors.
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Category: Basketball
