LeBron James is retiring after the 2025-2026 NBA season.

Question

In 2025, many posts received a lot of attention on X and Instagram in relation to LeBron James official retirement, specifically saying that by the end of the 2025-2026 NBA season would be his last. This speculation quickly spread after a viral video clip of LeBron saying he was "taking things year by year" and needs to "sit down" with his family to discussed long term plans. Many social media accounts twisted his words, which makes it sound like a retirement confirmation which everyone believing and reposting about the false claim.

However, in reality, LeBron has not made any official announcements about his retirement. According to some ESPN sources/coverage and press conference transcripts, LeBron has mentioned he is still evaluating his future in the NBA but chooses to remain committed to playing as long as he possibly can. His main focus this NBA season (2025-2026) is helping the Lakers reach the playoffs and even possibly continue to play alongside his son Bronny in the future. This claim is false and is misinterpreted quotes of fan and media's false claims rather than any verified claims from LeBron or his team.

Answer 1

This claim can’t be true or false, LeBron James currently is not sure if he will be continuing his basketball career. From a recent New York Times article speaking out about a recent game he played in he provided some quotes regarding where his head is out surrounding the idea of retirement. From the articles understanding, James seemed a bit emotional leading to viewers to think that it truly was going to be his last season. After an emotional start to his game James stated “I’m just trying to take everything in not take the moments for granted” he then follows up with “ It could be (my last season). I obviously haven’t made a decision yet, but it very well could be.” As of right now sources do not have much information to prove this claim however given what James has stated this could go both ways. However from what we do know this is James contract with the Lakers will be ending this season and so his options when it comes to his career would be to sign with another team or resign with the lakers however the option to retire still stands. 

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7006235/2026/01/29/lebron-james-retirement-plans-cleveland-lakers/   

Answer 2

Lebron james is not in fact going to retire in the 25-26 season it's all just media saying incorrect information he has so much left in him. The article above mentioned the interview after the timberwolves he was definitely just going through a lot of emotions after the loss and he was exhausted so when recieving that question it might've not been the right time. An article I read coming from the NBA which was about the 25-26 season preview in this he does say “I’m excited about the opportunity to be able to play the game that I love for another season. However the journey lays out this year, I’m super-invested, because I don’t know when the end is. I know it’s a lot sooner than later.” although he does say that it's "sooner" that's only because he knows deep down he's a little older, what tells us that he will continue to play for a little longer is when he says“I feel like you are the age which you tell your mind you are,” James said. “How could I not feel young? I mean, my wife is beautiful. I look good. I look at my age, it’s like the wine that I drink. The older wine I drink, the better it is. I feel great.” he clearly wants to spend more time on the court playing you can tell that he isn't ready to leave it may be on his mind more because of media and what they say but Lebron has unmatched athleticism and determination he will be here for at least a few more years. 

source: https://www.nba.com/news/lebron-not-thinking-about-retirement-as-23rd-nba-season-begins