The 2025 NBA draft and free agency are almost here, meaning one question is on most Los Angeles Lakers fans’ minds: what’s going on with LeBron James?
As is tradition, the Lakers faithful are waiting for the 40-year-old superstar to announce where his playing career will take him next. James must decide on his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, and no one has a real idea if he’s leaning towards accepting or declining it or retiring from basketball altogether.
On Tuesday, Associated Press’ Jonathan Landrum Jr. shared an interview with James, with topics ranging from the Lakers star’s postseason knee injury to his family. Of course, “The King” was also asked about potentially retiring, which led to his revealing that he isn’t close to making a final decision
You think: Is it this year? Or next year? Those thoughts always creep into your mind at this point of the journey,” James admitted. “I have not given it a specific timetable, date. I’m seeing how my body and family reacts, too.”
If anyone deserves to take as much time as they want before announcing a decision, it’s the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. At the same time, James’ refusal to give the Lakers a concrete timetable will make it harder for general manager Rob Pelinka to plan for the offseason, whether it’s the draft or free agency.
In other words, the Lakers won’t be able to do much until they know whether James will or won’t be on the 2025-26 roster. It could create the type of unnecessary drama the franchise doesn’t need heading into head coach JJ Redick’s second offseason behind the bench.
Even if his future is unclear, it’s hard to imagine James playing elsewhere as long as he keeps signing NBA contracts. The 21-time All-Star has spent the last seven seasons with the Lakers, and the 2024-25 season proved he still has ‘it’ by averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and .513/.376/.782 shooting splits across 70 starts.
As usual, James’ family will likely play a role in any decision he makes, which could work in L.A.’s favor.
The Lakers used last year’s 55th overall draft pick to select Bronny James Jr. out of USC, and his younger son, Bryce James, will be eligible for the 2026 NBA draft after committing to the University of Arizona in January. The potential of teaming up with both of his sons in Los Angeles might be enough to convince James to play another two seasons with the Lakers.
June is about to enter its final days, and one thing is clear: the Lakers aren’t any closer to knowing about James’ summer plans than they were at the start of their offseason.
