As the NBA offseason gets underway, LeBron James finds himself once again at the center of speculation. The 39-year-old forward completed his 23rd NBA season and seventh with the Los Angeles Lakers following the team’s first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With the Lakers officially out of the postseason picture, attention quickly turned to James’ next move. The veteran star holds a $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season, a decision he must make this summer. At this point, nothing has been confirmed regarding his future plans.
While James hasn’t indicated whether he will return for another season, one former NBA player believes it might be time to hang it up.
On a recent episode of the Club 520 Podcast, former NBA All-Star guard Jeff Teague weighed in on James’ situation and jokingly called for the Lakers forward to retire.
“Bron, this ain’t no disrespect. You’re my favorite player, bro. I think you are the GOAT all-time. But I’m tired, bro,” Teague said during the episode, half-seriously suggesting it might be time for James to step away from the game.
Despite the light-hearted delivery, Teague’s comments add to the growing conversation around James’ future. At 39, James is still producing at a top level. This past season, he has averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and one steal per game. While those are strong numbers by any standard, James has openly discussed the idea of retirement in past seasons.
Whether Teague’s comments reflect a wider sentiment or are just podcast banter, James remains one of the most talked-about figures in the league. His longevity, conditioning, and constant production have kept him at the top of the game well into his late 30s — a record that can not be matched by most of his peers.
If James chooses to return for a 24th NBA season, it will likely be with the Lakers, though his son Bronny James’ draft status and the team’s roster moves may influence his decision.
Los Angeles enters the offseason with major decisions ahead. Though early reports suggest interest in bolstering the lineup and keeping the core intact, James’ status is expected to have a significant impact on the franchise’s direction.
Whether retirement is on the table or not, the NBA landscape continues to revolve around LeBron James, even in the offseason.
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