It seems all but certain that LeBron James will return to the Los Angeles Lakers for an eighth season. That would mark his longest consecutive stretch playing for one franchise.
It would also represent his 23rd season in the NBA, which would break a tie with Vince Carter for the most in league history. While most players with his longevity take a major step backwards at this stage, James continues to play at an elite level.
He earned second-team All-NBA honors and finished sixth in MVP voting in 2024-25. Despite his strong play, fans have questioned how long he will continue his career. The four-time MVP recently sat down with the Associated Press, where he revealed that his family’s support has allowed him to lengthen his career.
“They’re like ‘Dad, continue on your dream. This is your dream. Continue on your focus. You’ve been here for us this whole time’,” Lakers’ star LeBron James stated. “When you have that type of support… it makes it a lot easier.”
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While he turned 40 this season, James remained among the best players in the league. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 51.3% from the field, 37.6% from three-point range and 78.2% from the free-throw line.
The four-time NBA champion also made history as he shared the floor with his son Bronny James. There have been reports that he could return for a 24th season — at which point his younger son Bryce James will be draft eligible — however, the future Hall of Famer has yet to address those rumors.
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