LeBron James, a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Lakers and one of the most celebrated figures in basketball history, is poised to continue his career as he approaches a pivotal 23rd season in the NBA. James has a 2025-26 season player option valued at $56.2 million. He’s never publicly discussed his plans for retirement, but at 36 years of age the clock is certainly ticking on how much longer he can continue playing at this level.
James’ amazing talent was on full display in his 22nd season. He put up 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game. This run has broken all expectations for how long anyone can stay competitive in the sport. With a birthday approaching 40 in December, he’s beginning to see what it might take to play at this level five, seven years down the line.
As the Lakers begin to write their next chapter, they’ll be aiming for more of what worked last season, less of what didn’t. The team won 52 games and captured the Pacific Division title amid significant roster changes, including a midseason trade that brought star Luka Doncic into the fold. James recognized the challenge of bringing new players into the mix and changing the team chemistry.
“Anytime you make a big acquisition in the middle of the season, it’s always going to be challenging, not only for me, but for [Austin Reaves] and the rest of the group,” – LeBron James
James has been instrumental in the Lakers’ postseason run thus far. During the five years since their surprise championship victory in the Florida bubble, the team has made the playoffs just once. This season, he played 21 games alongside Doncic following the trade, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile player capable of adjusting to new teammates.
And no, James can’t just say he’s completed 20 regular-season games. He’s 49 games behind Robert Parish, who currently has the all-time NBA record with 1,611 games played. He already holds the league record for career playoff games with 292, underlining his durability and commitment to the sport.
The coming season will be a historic milestone not only for James but for his family. His son, Bronny James, recently completed his rookie season with the Lakers, becoming the first father-son duo to play together in NBA history. LeBron’s most unusual achievement further cements his legacy. He is able to effectively parse his ambitions on the court with a new chapter of life as a father.
James very much has one eye on next season. He has a $15.3 million player option, the same as his Mavs’ arkmate Dorian Finney-Smith. His work emphasizes the pursuit of optimum performance in the world of professional basketball. This includes welcoming new members to the team and new approaches.
Regarding his future, James remains contemplative.
“It’s up to me if I’m going to continue to play, or how long I’m going to continue to play,” – LeBron James
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