Rumor: Lakers Would Like LeBron James To Retire From NBA With Them

The Los Angeles Lakers would like LeBron James to retire from the NBA with them, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. 

James will make $52.6 million next season in the final year of his contract. 

“Despite there being obvious frustrations, James has always intended to retire as a member of the Lakers, and this remains the franchise’s goal as well, league sources said,” Siegel wrote. “Nobody expects James to be anywhere but in Los Angeles by the time the 2025-26 NBA season starts.”

James could retire from the NBA after next season, multiple sources told Hoops Wire. The Akron native has been in the NBA since 2003. He turns 41 in December. 

James has been with the Lakers since 2018. He has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers twice and Miami Heat as well. The future Hall of Famer is a four-time MVP, a four-time champion and a four-time Finals MVP. 

James is the oldest active player in the league. He made the All-NBA Second Team and finished sixth in MVP voting last season.

James became the leading scorer in NBA history with the Lakers during the 2022-23 season.