The Los Angeles Lakers have been expecting to have superstar forward LeBron James back on the team for the 2025-26 NBA season. However, there have been some rumblings about him considering retirement.
James’ retiring would be a massive shock. It’s possible, but still seems very unlikely.
That being said, James has now teased his retirement in a new advertisement that he shared on social media.
Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images
In a post on X on June 14, James shared the video. He was in a fake news conference and was asked if the rumors about his retirement were true. James also shared a cryptic caption.
Read more: Lakers Legend Magic Johnson Delivers Powerful Message to Luka Doncic
“I’ve been asking myself the same question…,” he wrote.
Fans did not waste time taking to the comments section of James’ most recent post.
“Don’t joke like that king you got a couple seasons left in you,” one fan wrote.
A second comment said, “I can speak for every NBA fan when LeBron retires the league won’t be the same.”
“Nooooooo bro please don’t,” a third fan commented.
Another fans comment read, “We know you’re trolling!!!! The King’s not done.”
“Nah, you ain’t retiring yet OG. You got another 2 seasons in ya fam,” a fifth comment stated.
While there have been signs of aging in James’ game, he was still productive last season. Passing on an opportunity to play with Luka Doncic for at least one full season would be a shocking move from one of the best to ever play.
During the 2024-25 NBA season with the Lakers, James played in 70 games. He averaged 24.4 points per game to go along with 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and a steal, while shooting 51.3 percent from the floor and 37.6 percent from three-point range.
Read more: Charles Barkley Doesn’t Hold Back on Pacers-Thunder Game 4 Fallout
Even at 40 years old, James continues to be a dangerous threat. Los Angeles will have a chance to put together an offseason to improve its weaknesses from last year. If Rob Pelinka can add more defense and a legitimate starting center, the Lakers could be an NBA Finals contender.
All that fans can do now is to wait for an official announcement from James about his future. This advertisement likely doesn’t have any truth or meaning behind it. For now, it’s reasonable to expect another season from James next year.
Only time will tell, but this tease at retirement has fans panicking in Los Angeles.
For more on the Los Angeles Lakers and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.