According to LeBron James himself, he isn’t going to play “until the wheels fall off.” Despite saying that, James never said when he would retire. That thought is still running through his head.
“I’m not gonna play that much longer, to be completely honest. I don’t know how many years that is, whether it’s 1 year, 2 years, whatever… I’m not playing til the wheels fall off.”
Now, this speculation has been intensified by ESPN’s Shams Charania. Per Charania, he believes LeBron will retire after next season. He cites it because that’s his $52.6 million player option season.
Over the past couple of contracts he has signed, LeBron has made it very flexible to where he’s in control of what happens. Whether that’s short-term deals or including a player option.
However, despite what Shams said, he does see a world where he does continue to play. He cites the NBA All-Star Weekend being held in Los Angeles in 2027, and his son, Bryce James, being able to play with his father as soon as the 2026-27 season.
While all of this is speculation, it would be interesting to see him have his farewell tour in 2027, playing with his two sons on the Lakers, hosting the All-Star Weekend, and having that year dedicated to him.