Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James recently cast doubt on his future in the NBA, suggesting that his latest contract could potentially be his last. Speaking to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James admitted uncertainty about signing another NBA deal after his current contract expires.
“I mean, it could be [the last contract I will ever sign],” James said during the interview. “I’d never sit up here and say, ‘Oh, maybe not.’ Yeah, it could be. Easily. But we’ll see what happens.”
At 39 years old, James signed a lucrative two-year, $101.4 million extension with the Lakers, extending his tenure with the team through 2026. The contract also includes a player option for the 2025-26 season.
Should James complete his current deal, he will surpass Hall of Fame player Vince Carter for the most seasons played in NBA history, marking a milestone in his illustrious career.
Throughout his legendary tenure, James has shattered numerous records and achieved unparalleled success. As the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with four MVP awards and championships with three different franchises, he has already cemented his legacy.
During the 2023-24 season, James made history with his 20th All-Star appearance, showcasing his enduring skill with averages of 25.7 points and 8.3 assists per game. Notably, he achieved shooting splits of 54.0% from the field, 41.0% from three-point range, and 75.0% from the free-throw line, marking a standout year.
Looking ahead, James anticipates a special opportunity to share the court with his son, Bronny James, after the Lakers drafted him with the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, signing him to a four-year, $7.9 million deal.
While James prepares to lead the Lakers in their bid to rebound from a disappointing early playoff exit, his long-term future in professional basketball remains uncertain, adding intrigue to his storied career.