NBA
Shams Charania Sets Record Straight On LeBron James Retirement Rumors
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Get to know Dan Girolamo betterPublished01 May 2025
Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ series-ending loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, there has been rampant speculation about the future of LeBron James. Will the 40-year-old star retire? See what ESPN’s Shams Charania said about the James retirement rumors.
Shams Charania Talks LeBron James’ Future
"There's no expectation for LeBron James to retire..
My understanding is that he will play at least another NBA season" ~ @ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/unTTGf8Mkn
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 1, 2025
James continues to defy the odds at age 40. However, “Father Time” comes for everyone, and James only has a few seasons left.
After another disappointing playoff exit, would James consider retirement?
On Thursday’s edition of The Pat McAfee Show, Charania revealed he expects James to continue playing.
“How long is LeBron James going to play? There’s no expectation for LeBron James to retire,” Charania said. “My sense, my understanding is that he will play at least another NBA season.”
Why would James come back for one more season? For starters, James would set a record for years in the league. Additionally, the All-Star Game would be on James’ court.
“You think about next year. 25-26, it will be year 23, that would set a league record. Year 23 for number 23,” Charania said. “The All-Star Game is in Los Angeles. He’d potentially be playing in Los Angeles. There’s a lot of stars that would align for next season, potentially, if that’s what LeBron James decides.”
LeBron James Contract Situation
James enters another offseason in a contract situation.
James enters the second year of his two-year, $101,355,998 contract. James has a $52.6 million player option that must be picked up by June 29.
Even if James returns, he will likely opt out of his deal to sign a new contract.
Does James still want to keep playing? After Wednesday’s loss, James remains noncommittal on his future.
“I don’t know,” James told reporters via HOH. “I don’t have an answer to that. Something I’ll sit down with my family, my wife and my group and kind of just talk through it and see what happens. And just have a conversation with myself on how long I want to continue to play. I don’t know the answer to that right now, to be honest. So we’ll see”
