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[Saba Sports News] With the Los Angeles Lakers officially eliminated from the 2025 NBA title race, speculation around LeBron James’ future—both with the franchise and in the league—is once again front and center.
Following the Lakers’ 103-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of their first-round series on Wednesday night, the four-time MVP chose his words carefully when asked about what comes next.
“I don’t know. I don’t have the answer to that,” James said. “It’s something I’ll sit down with my family, my wife, and my support group and talk through… have conversations with myself about how much longer I want to continue to play. I don’t know the answer right now. We’ll see.”
James holds the power to decide his next move—at least when it comes to the Lakers. He signed a two-year, $101.36 million deal with L.A. in 2024, which includes a player option worth $52.6 million for the 2025–26 season.
Now 40 years old, James is at the stage where retirement is a legitimate option. But his performance this season suggests he’s far from finished. In 70 regular-season games, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists while shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range.
He remained a workhorse in the playoffs, logging 86 combined minutes in Games 4 and 5 alone. In the series-ending Game 5, he posted 22 points on 9-of-21 shooting, along with seven rebounds and six assists in 40 minutes.
Despite all he’s accomplished and the heavy mileage on his body, James showed this season that his drive to compete hasn’t faded. For now, though, he’ll take time to rest—and keep the basketball world waiting on his next move.
