LeBron James may retire after 2025-26 season as Los Angeles Lakers delay extension

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James may be nearing the end of his remarkable NBA career. After the 2025-2026 season, he may decide to retire. The four-time NBA champion will soon start his 23rd season. He will share the record for the longest career with eight-time All-Star Vince Carter.

However, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, he's ready to ride into the sunset.

After retirement, LeBron James could pursue NBA team ownership in Las Vegas

The Los Angeles Lakers have not immediately extended LeBron James' contract. Due to this, many NBA insiders believe that the well-known star is not signing a new contract with the league because he plans to declare his retirement after the 2025-2026 season.Previously, the NBA legend has stated that he wants to own an NBA team in Las Vegas, and there.

He would be eligible to buy a Las Vegas franchise if he retired at the end of this season.

Talking about the same, the league insider Brett Siegel wrote:“Many around the league are beginning to connect the dots that James may not sign another contract with the Lakers because he may not sign another contract at all,” He went on to say that the NBA icon may possibly be getting ready to declare that this season will be his final one. He then continued: “Everyone knows that retirement is on the horizon for LeBron, and multiple agents, scouts and rival team representatives shared with ClutchPoints that they believe James is gearing up to announce he will retire after the 2025-26 season.”

On the other hand, a scout from the Western Conference informed ClutchPoints:“Haven't we always talked about Year 23 being his last? It is clear he isn't happy with the way things are going with the Lakers, and this would be the best time for him to go out on his own terms. Not to mention, we are out here (in Las Vegas), and the worst-kept secret regarding expansion is that LeBron wants in on the team that will be coming here.”Although LeBron James has stated that he would like to win another NBA championship before he retires, Los Angeles has stated that winning a championship this season is not their top priority. On the other hand, even though several clubs still think a buyout may occur in the future, the NBA great is anticipated to be with the L.A. Lakers when training camp starts in the autumn.Also read: LeBron James hits the court with lifelong friend Randy “Ernie” Mims in rare chill session