He’s 41 now. That’s usually the age when former NBA stars are five years into a TNT broadcasting career or busy posting wine selfies from a vineyard in Tuscany. But if you’re looking for the gold watch and the rocking chair, you're looking in the wrong place.
LeBron James has not retired. As of January 2026, he is still very much an active member of the Los Angeles Lakers. He isn't just a roster spot-filler, either. He's currently averaging over 22 points, nearly 7 assists, and 6 rebounds a night. It’s kinda surreal when you think about it. Most players are "washed" by 35. LeBron is out here playing his 23rd season like it’s just another Tuesday.
The Current State of the King
Honestly, the vibe in L.A. has shifted. It’s not "LeBron’s team" in the way it was back in 2020. With Luka Dončić now handling a massive chunk of the playmaking duties and Austin Reaves evolving into a legitimate secondary star, LeBron has settled into a role that looks more like a high-level "super-vet." He’s playing about 33 minutes a game. That’s down from his prime, sure, but he’s still a nightly triple-double threat.
The Lakers are sitting at 24-15 right now, good for a top-five seed in a Western Conference that feels like a meat grinder every night.
People keep asking about the end because the signs are finally there. Small things. He missed a chunk of the early season with a sciatica issue. His legendary double-digit scoring streak—the one that lasted basically an entire generation—finally snapped against the Raptors back in December. 2025. It felt like a glitch in the matrix for everyone watching.
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When is the actual end date?
The contract situation is where things get interesting for the "has LeBron retired" crowd. He's currently playing on the final year of his deal. There was a lot of noise over the summer about an extension that never quite came together with Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office. Instead, he’s headed toward unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2026.
Does that mean he’s done? Not necessarily.
There are two major theories floating around league circles right now:
- The Kobe Route: He announces a full-blown farewell tour before the 2026-27 season kicks off. This lets every arena give him the standing ovation, the video tributes, and the customized rocking chairs. NBA executives have hinted that LeBron "cares about narratives." He doesn't want to just disappear like Michael Jordan did with the Wizards.
- The Son Factor: Bronny James is currently his teammate. That’s a box checked. But his middle son, Bryce, is an incoming freshman at Arizona and could be eligible for the NBA Draft in 2026. LeBron has joked (or maybe he wasn't joking?) about sticking around long enough to see Bryce make it. If he waits for Bryce, we’re looking at LeBron playing until he’s 43.
What the betting markets say
Even the Vegas sharps are hedging their bets. Currently, the odds for LeBron announcing his retirement before October 2026 are sitting at roughly +132. That’s basically a 43% chance. It’s a flip of a coin. Compare that to the end of 2025, when everyone was convinced this was the "Last Dance." The fact that he’s still producing at this level has pushed the "No" side of that bet into the favorite position.
Basically, as long as he’s healthy, he’s a threat. He’s recently had games where he put up 31 points and 10 assists against the Hawks. You don't walk away from that if your body still works.
Why he might actually hang it up soon
- The Physical Toll: The sciatica issues and muscle strains are becoming more frequent. He’s missed about 17 games so far this season for "load management" or minor tweaks.
- The Lakers' Direction: If the Lakers don't make a deep playoff run this year, does he want to spend another season fighting for a 5-seed?
- The Legacy: He’s already the all-time leading scorer. He’s got the four rings. At some point, there's nothing left to prove.
What to watch for next
If you're trying to track the end of the LeBron era, keep your eyes on the 2026 off-season. If he signs a one-year "farewell" deal with the Lakers—or maybe a shock return to the Cleveland Cavaliers—that’s your signal.
For now, stop checking for the retirement speech. It hasn't happened yet. He’s still lacing up the LeBron 23s and trying to chase down one more trophy in the twilight of his career.
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Actionable Next Steps:
Keep a close eye on the NBA trade deadline in February. Rich Paul and Klutch Sports are reportedly pushing for the Lakers to add more wing depth (names like De'Andre Hunter have surfaced) to help LeBron's defensive load. If the Lakers stand pat and don't make a move, it might signal that even the front office is preparing for life after the King. Check the Lakers' injury reports on back-to-back nights; that's the best indicator of how his body is actually holding up under the 23-season strain.