There’s no chance Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is retiring until he accomplishes one more goal, even if he won’t admit it to the press.
No one’s doubting that James, 40, can play for another few years in the NBA. The man played 70 games in 2024-25 and averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists on 51.3 percent shooting.
What’s the motivation behind LeBron’s longevity? Many believe it was James’s desire to play with his son Bronny in the league … but is that the full story?
There might be an even crazier personal goal rattling around in LeBron’s mind every day: to share the NBA court with both of his sons, Bronny and Bryce James, ideally with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bronny has already checked one box for LeBron.
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However, Bron’s sights could now be set on Bryce, his younger son, who is poised to become a freshman at Arizona next season (2025-26). At six-foot-six with a wiry frame and a smooth shooting stroke, Bryce boasts superior size and athleticism compared to Bronny. Scouts project Bryce as a potential one-and-done talent, with a ceiling higher than his brother’s due to his length, versatility, and developing playmaking.
LeBron, under contract with the Lakers through 2025-26 with a player option, has the flexibility to extend his career. The Lakers, keen on maximizing LeBron’s twilight years, could draft Bryce, especially if he declares after his freshman season.
Playing until at least 2026-27, when Bryce could debut, would push LeBron to 42—a plausible feat given his durability and conditioning.
Critics argue LeBron might retire sooner due to physical wear or team dynamics, but his history of defying expectations and his emotional investment in his sons’ careers outweigh those concerns.
The Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, has shown a willingness to align with LeBron’s personal goals, as seen with Bronny’s draft selection.
The writing’s on the wall — LeBron will soon be sharing an NBA court with not one, but two of his sons.
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