5 Definitive Reasons LeBron James Is NOT Stepping Away From Basketball (Yet) In 2025

The question of "Is LeBron James stepping away from basketball?" has dominated NBA headlines for the better part of the last year, especially as the legendary forward enters the twilight of his career. However, as of December 13, 2025, the definitive answer is a resounding 'No,' at least for the immediate future. The four-time NBA champion has made a clear commitment to continue playing, a decision that hinges on a massive contract option and one final, personal goal that supersedes all retirement speculation.

The entire basketball world was on tenterhooks awaiting the decision on his player option, which would dictate his status for the 2025-26 season. The commitment he has made is not just about a paycheck; it's a calculated move to secure his place on the Los Angeles Lakers roster and set the stage for one of the most anticipated moments in NBA history. This article breaks down the five core reasons why The King is not hanging up his sneakers yet, and what the true timeline for his eventual retirement looks like.

The Definitive 2025-26 Contract Decision

The most concrete evidence that LeBron James is not stepping away from the game is his recent contract maneuver. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar was faced with a significant choice regarding his existing deal.

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LeBron Exercises His $52.6 Million Player Option

In a move that silenced immediate retirement rumors, LeBron James officially exercised his $52.6 million player option to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 NBA season. This financial commitment is a clear signal of his intent to play his 23rd season in the league, an astonishing feat of longevity and durability.

This decision means James will be on an expiring contract for the first time in his career, giving him maximum flexibility and leverage heading into the summer of 2026. For the Lakers organization, this provides clarity, ensuring their cornerstone player, despite turning 41 during the season, remains the focal point alongside Anthony Davis.

The financial scale of the option—over $52 million—is a major incentive, but for a player of James' stature, the decision is always multifaceted. The choice to opt in was less about the money and more about keeping a crucial door open for his ultimate career ambition, a plan he has meticulously orchestrated over the past few years.

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The Bronny James Factor: A Final Father-Son Goal

The single biggest driving force behind LeBron's decision to play at least one more season is his long-stated, unwavering desire to share an NBA court with his eldest son, Bronny James. This personal goal has become a central narrative of his final chapter.

LeBron has consistently expressed his wish to play alongside Bronny, a dream that now looks increasingly likely to be realized. Bronny James is an aspiring player who has been linked to the Lakers, particularly for the 2025-26 season.

The Lakers' front office, led by General Manager Rob Pelinka, has been acutely aware of this dynamic. The structure of LeBron's previous contracts was intentionally designed to allow him to align his playing time with Bronny's entry into the professional ranks. With Bronny potentially earning a spot on the Lakers' roster for the upcoming season, LeBron's decision to opt in was the final piece of the puzzle to make this historic moment a reality.

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Playing together would not only be a career highlight for both father and son but would also mark the first time in NBA history that a father and son have played on the same team in a regular season game. This powerful narrative is a legacy-defining moment that LeBron is not willing to step away from.

The Retirement Timeline: Why 2026 is the Magic Number

While LeBron is definitely playing in 2025-26, the speculation about his eventual retirement is hotter than ever, with many insiders pointing to the end of that season as his most likely farewell.

The 'Sooner Than Later' Acknowledgment

James himself has acknowledged that the finish line is "a lot sooner than later," even without giving a definitive date. This vague yet powerful statement keeps the conversation alive, fueling the anticipation for his final year. The 2025-26 season, his 23rd, is widely anticipated to be a potential farewell tour, similar to those orchestrated by legends like Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade (a close friend who has publicly commented on James' age).

Former NBA players and analysts have weighed in with varying predictions. Former Laker Danny Green has predicted James might retire after the current season, while other NBA executives and insiders believe he has an "elaborate retirement plan" that extends through the 2025-26 campaign.

Pressure from Family and Legacy

The pressure to retire is not just external; it's also coming from home. Reports indicate that his wife, Savannah James, would like him to "retire in the next year or so." This family dynamic adds a layer of intrigue to his decision-making process, suggesting that his commitment to playing with Bronny might be the final, non-negotiable item on his career checklist.

Furthermore, James cares deeply about his legacy and the narrative surrounding his career. A retirement after the 2025-26 season—potentially after achieving the father-son dream—would be a perfectly scripted, epic finale. It would allow him to step away while still performing at an elite level (averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in a recent season) and on his own terms.

The Ongoing Pursuit of the Fifth NBA Championship

Despite his advanced age and the wear-and-tear of 22 seasons, LeBron James remains a fierce competitor with a singular focus on winning another NBA championship. The pursuit of his fifth title is a powerful motivator to continue playing.

The Lakers' commitment to building a contender around James and Anthony Davis is another reason he has opted to stay. The team continues to make aggressive moves to bolster the roster, showing a clear intention to maximize their championship window while James is still playing at an All-NBA level. A premature retirement would mean walking away from a legitimate shot at another ring, something his competitive spirit would likely not allow.

The entity of the 'Lakers Big Three' (LeBron, Davis, and a third star) remains the core strategy. As long as the team is actively competing for a title, James will likely be in uniform, postponing any talk of stepping away.

The Unmatched Level of Play and Durability

Perhaps the most compelling argument against immediate retirement is the simple fact that LeBron James is still one of the best players in the world. His level of play is unprecedented for a player his age, defying the historical norms of the NBA.

He continues to be a statistical anomaly, putting up numbers that most players in their prime would envy. His durability, despite minor injuries, has been remarkable, allowing him to maintain a high usage rate and impact on the game. Stepping away from basketball when he is still capable of dominating games would be a decision driven purely by external factors, not a decline in his performance.

For the 2025-26 season, James will be focused on maintaining his elite production, leading the Lakers in the Western Conference, and preparing for the next chapter of his life, which may include a transition into ownership or other business ventures, but only after he is done on the court. The speculation linking him to a future transition where a player like Luka Doncic takes over the Lakers' mantle only reinforces the idea that James' final season is a carefully planned event, not a sudden departure.

Conclusion: The Final Chapter is Open

The question of "is LeBron James stepping away from basketball" has been definitively answered for the 2025-26 season: he is not. By exercising his $52.6 million player option, LeBron James has committed to his 23rd NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers. His decision is driven by a powerful confluence of factors: the desire to complete the historic father-son dream of playing with Bronny James, the pursuit of a fifth NBA championship, and the fact that he is still playing at an elite, record-breaking level.

While the retirement rumors will intensify throughout the 2025-26 campaign, the stage is now set for a potential farewell season that will be one of the most watched in sports history. Fans should prepare not for a sudden departure, but for a meticulously planned final chapter that will solidify his status as one of the greatest athletes to ever play the game.