LeBron James reportedly undecided on playing beyond this season

LeBron James still hasn’t decided if he’s calling it after this season.

That’s the word from people close to him, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, and it comes inside a bigger look at James’ ridiculous run of 21 straight All-NBA selections.

If LeBron wants to make it 22, he’d need to suit up for 63 of the Lakers’ final 66 games. That’s a tall ask for anyone, let alone someone turning 41 in December who already missed time this fall with sciatica.

McMenamin framed it pretty simply. If James knew this was it, he’d probably feel obligated to play every night he’s healthy. One last run. One last wave.

But if he thinks he’ll be back next season, there’s no need for any of that. No farewell tour. No pressure.

And the Lakers have 11 back-to-backs left. Eleven. Coach JJ Redick said he isn’t pushing the All-NBA streak and hasn’t even talked to James about it. He’s more focused on keeping LeBron upright through April and May.

“I don’t think an All-NBA appearance this year is going to make or break his résumé,” Redick said.

Agent Rich Paul echoed the same thing, telling McMenamin he’s not exactly campaigning for his client to grind through back-to-backs at 41.

“I hope he is not playing back-to-backs,” Paul said.

So what matters most? Rings.

If James delivers a fifth title, that does far more for the legacy conversation than checking the 65-game box. And the Lakers know it.

Managing his minutes now probably gives them the best odds of getting peak LeBron when it counts.

James is earning about $52.6 million in the final year of his deal. He can’t extend until July, so if he decides to keep going in 2026-27, he’ll hit free agency first.

That means he’ll either return to the Lakers or write a new chapter somewhere else.

But for now, he’s keeping everyone guessing. Just like he always has.