Despite injury concerns and playoff heartbreak, King James isn’t ready to walk away yet.
After weeks of speculation following the Lakers’ early playoff exit, LeBron James has reportedly made his decision:
He’s not retiring — and he’s gearing up for at least one more season in the NBA.
According to a source close to the Lakers star, James still has unfinished business and is determined to chase another championship before calling it a career.
“LeBron isn’t retiring. He still wants to win one more ring and play one more year,” the source told The U.S. Sun.
Battling Through Injury, Not Ready to Quit
LeBron’s playoff run ended in disappointment after a first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves — a series where he battled a painful MCL sprain in his right knee.
Despite dropping strong performances, the Lakers fell 4–1, with Anthony Edwards and Minnesota’s youth proving too much for the veteran squad.
Immediately after the loss, James said he needed time to reflect:
“I don’t know. I don’t have an answer to that,” he told reporters.
“I’ll sit down with my family and my support group and talk it through.”
Now, after that time to process — including emotional moments like preparing to send his son Bryce James off to college — LeBron’s path forward has become clear: He’s not done yet.
What’s Next: Contract, Pay Cut, and Roster Changes
James is entering the final guaranteed year of his Lakers contract, but he holds a $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season.
Reports suggest he’s willing to take a pay cut — possibly $10 million or more — to give the Lakers extra flexibility to retool the roster.
Sources say James expects significant moves this summer as L.A. tries to build a better supporting cast around him and Luka Doncic, who joined the Lakers midseason in a blockbuster trade.
“The connection with Luka is the best he’s had with a co-star in years,” the insider said.
“LeBron believes another season will help Luka grow into the role of guiding the franchise once he retires.”
It’s not just about chasing another ring — it’s about passing the torch the right way.
One Last Championship Push?
At 40 years old, LeBron is realistic about how much time he has left.
He continues to rehab his knee injury after undergoing treatment immediately following the Lakers’ elimination.
Meanwhile, he’s already instructed his personal staff to prepare for another NBA season.
For the Lakers, it’s a huge sigh of relief:
- Another year of LeBron’s leadership
- More time to unlock the Doncic pairing
- And one final, all-in push for another championship banner
