Shocking News: LeBron James Hints at Retirement Following Devastating Knee Injury—Is This the End of an Era? Fans Stunned as NBA Legend Faces Uncertain Future After Heartbreaking Setback on the Court!
LeBron James has unfinished business in the NBA, with the Los Angeles Lakers star wanting to win another championship before retiring and assuming a guaranteed spot in the Hall of Fame
LeBron James’ looks set to continue in the NBA next season(Image: Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)
NBA and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has no intention of retiring at the end of this season despite suffering from a knee injury.
The 40-year-old admitted that he was undecided over his future in the NBA after the Lakers were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers were defeated by an Anthony Edwards-led Timberwolves 4-1 despite coming up against James and Luka Doncic, who joined in a blockbuster mid-season trade.
“I don’t know,” James said on his future. “I don’t have an answer to that. Something I’ll sit down with my family, my wife and my support group and kind of just talk through it and see what happens. And 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.”
However, according to the U.S. Sun, a source close to James have claimed that retirement this year isn’t in the equation, with the 40-year-old having unfinished business in the NBA. James’ retirement decision comes despite him battling a knee injury during the playoffs.
James is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract with the Lakers. Still, the future NBA Hall of Famer holds a player option for the 2025-26 season, valued at $52.6 million, which requires a decision from James by June 29.
The outlet goes on to report that James believes he has at least one more NBA season in him before deciding to end his long and legendary career. James could also take a significant pay cut to continue playing in the NBA.
LeBron James just wrapped up his 22nd season in the NBA(Image: Getty Images)
James is said to be open to taking a $10M pay cut for the 2025-26 season, which could allow the Lakers to make some savvy moves in the offseason to give the franchise a shot at another championship. “LeBron isn’t retiring. He still wants to win one more ring and play one more year,” the source said.
The Lakers have also been backed to see the fruits of its Doncic trade, with another season allowing James and the Slovenian to form a dominant on-court partnership. James’ decision to keep on playing is also driven by trying to help Doncic prepare to be the face of the Lakers franchise once he retires.
“The connection with Luka is the best one he’s had with a co-star in years,” the insider continued. “LeBron believes another season will help Luka grow into the role of guiding the franchise once he retires.”
Despite his avanced age, there are indications that LeBron James could return for another season(Image: Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
James has also instructed his own personal staff to prepare for another season in the NBA. And as for the Lakers, James expects some changes to be made following their disappointing postseason.
“This is a business,” James said. “You never really know what the roster’s going to look like next season, except for the guys already under contract.
“Honestly, I’ve got my own stuff to figure out right now. So I can’t say what’s next for the team. I don’t even know where I stand yet.”