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Is LeBron James going to retire after over two decades in the NBA?

He was the first NBA draft pick in 2003

Senior Writer

MAY 1, 2025 9:55 PM EDTMAY 1, 2025, 9:55 PM EDT

LeBron James was drafted into the NBA in 2003 as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. After more than two decades in the league, the living legend has played for the Miami Heat and, since 2018, the Lakers. The league's all-time leading scorer has already proven he's one of the GOATs - and now, he doesn't seem to know what's next.

LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up before the game against the Washington Wizards on November 19, 2003

The Lakers' season-ending loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 30 left LeBron visibly disappointed. The 40-year-old walked off the court quietly, then told reporters, “I don’t know,” when asked how much longer he wanted to play.

“Something I’ll sit down with my family, my wife, and my support group, and kind of just talk through and see what happens. And just have a conversation with myself on how long I want to continue to play,” he explained. “I don’t know the answer to that right now, to be honest. So we’ll see.”

LeBron James (23) and Luka Doncic (77) absorb the inevitable loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in game 5 of the first round of the NBA playoffs

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The Lakers' loss means they’re officially out of the 2025 NBA Finals - and the sting is even worse since it happened in the first round. “Every season that I did not make it to the Finals or did not win a championship has been a disappointment,” James told reporters.

Thankfully, LeBron seemingly has “at least another NBA season” left, ESPN insider Shams Charania told Pat McAfee. She also mentioned there’s speculation he might extend his career through the 2026 Draft, when his younger son, Bryce Maximus, becomes eligible. This season, he made history by playing alongside his son, Bronny James, with the Lakers becoming the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA.

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and his son Bronny James Jr. #9 attend the Los Angeles Lakers media day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 30, 2024

“When it comes to the titles, that's one separate thing,” LeBron said on the New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce podcast. “But to be able to play in this league and also being able to do it alongside Bronny right now, that's one of the biggest accomplishments—and probably the No. 1 accomplishment—I’ve ever been able to do.”