LeBron James may have just signed his final contract.
The Lakers superstar acknowledged that the recent two-year, $101.35 million deal he signed to remain in Los Angeles — and play alongside son Bronny — may be his last before retirement.
James’ extension includes a player option for the 2025-26 season.
“I mean, it could be,” James told ESPN. “I’d never sit up here and say, ‘Oh, uhh, maybe not,’ but, yeah, it could be, easily. But we’ll see what happens.”
There are several factors perhaps pointing to a potential James retirement in the next two years.
For starters, James is 39 and no one has ever bested Father Time. He will be 41 by the time this deal is up, provided he opts into the 2025-26 season.
He also will accomplish a major life goal this season when he suits up alongside his 19-year-old son, which he has long said he wanted to do before he exited the league.
The Lakers selected Bronny in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft at No. 55 overall, and it would be a shocker if the two don’t wear the purple and gold together at some point this season.
There’s also the meaning of the No. 23.
If James plays two more seasons, he will have completed 23 seasons in the NBA.
James has worn 23 and 6 throughout his career — wearing 23 for 15 seasons, per ESPN — and the significance of ending his career after 23 years clearly has crossed his mind.
The four-time MVP laughed when ESPN’s Dave McMenamin mentioned it could take him through 23 seasons, before mentioning it’s a “pretty good number.”
“It’s a great number,” said James, who has worn the number out of respect for Michael Jordan.
James will ultimately have to decide whether he wants to have a retirement tour for his final season or make his decision after his final season.
He is chasing his fifth title entering his 22nd season, but the odds could be against the Lakers with the team being spurned by free agents after James took a pay cut to help free cap space.
