LeBron James begins his 23rd NBA season under circumstances that underscore both his longevity and the looming uncertainty of what comes next. At 40 years old and entering the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, James has already carved out a legacy unlike any other. Last season, he and eldest son Bronny James made history as the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game.
But speculation lingers about whether James is eyeing a similar milestone with his younger son, Bryce James, who is beginning his freshman year of college basketball in Arizona.
LeBron Denies Waiting on Bryce
Getty Bryce James is NBA draft-eligible in June.
For now, James insists that chasing another family milestone is not on his agenda.
“No, I’m not,” James said at Lakers media day on Monday when asked if he was waiting to play alongside Bryce. “I don’t know what his timeline is. He’s his own young man now. He’s down in Tucson. We’ll see what happens this year, next year, but he has his own timeline. I got my timeline, and I don’t know if they quite match. But we’ll see.”
His comments came in response to reports earlier this month that suggested James was keeping the door open for one more dream season with Bryce, who will be eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft.
Speculation About Retirement
Privately, some around the league believe James may be setting up for a farewell stretch that extends beyond this season. One NBA executive told Lakers Daily that James is unlikely to walk away in 2025, even if the Lakers fall short of a championship.
“I think LeBron plays one or two more seasons unless the Lakers win it all next year,” the executive said. “Bryce [James] will be eligible for the 2026 draft. There are some whispers that LeBron wants to play with him, too. We’ll see what happens, but I just can’t see LeBron retiring after next season. He’s still too good of a player to just walk away.”
James himself acknowledged that retirement is coming, though he avoided setting a firm date.
“For me personally, it’s about being present,” James said. “Knowing the end is soon, I don’t want to take any night for granted — even the ones where I wake up and don’t feel like I have it. I know I won’t have many more chances to compete. That’s what keeps me locked in and excited about enjoying the rest of the ride.”
Still Among the NBA’s Elite
GettyLeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors are still neck-and-neck in ESPN’s Top 10 NBA Player Rankings.
James is coming off a very strong 22nd season during which he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds, was named to the All-NBA second team, and finished sixth in MVP voting.
Despite nearing his 41st birthday, James remains one of the NBA’s premier players. ESPN ranked him No. 8 on its preseason list of the league’s top players, just behind longtime rival and friend Stephen Curry at No. 7.
“It’s humbling and gratifying to still play at this level,” James said. “Not many guys my age, especially in Year 23, have been able to do that. I just try not to take it for granted and inspire whoever I can — the younger generation, my generation, the ones to come.”
A Legendary Career Winding Down
Over more than two decades, James has accomplished nearly everything imaginable on the court: four NBA championships, four league MVPs, 21 All-Star appearances, Rookie of the Year honors, and the distinction of being the league’s all-time leading scorer.
Yet as he balances his own timeline against the whispers about Bryce, James’ final chapters remain unwritten. The hunger to compete is still there.
“I’m excited about getting to work,” James said, “and I’m excited to see what we can do.”
Whether the end comes in one year, two, or beyond, James appears intent on savoring every moment while continuing to defy Father Time — and perhaps chasing history one more time.
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