LeBron James has acknowledged the possibility of stepping away, but never truly confirmed his plans. Some reports suggest a reunion with the Cavaliers or a move to play with Stephen Curry is on the cards before the 41-year-old retires. But even the Los Angeles Lakers can help in this decision, according to Brett Siegel.

“My feeling in talking with other people around the league is that if the Lakers do go on that magical run and they go to the NBA Finals and they somehow win the Larry O’Brien trophy, I think that would be it for LeBron,” Siegel reported. “I think that he would retire on a high note, go out as a champion. I think that’s just something to kind of keep an eye on and keep in the back of our minds.”

In his historic 23rd season, LeBron James has made immense sacrifices for the Lakers. He has accepted a low-usage role, accepting the tag of third-best player on the team. King James has made way for Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, with the Lakers bearing the fruitful results. Since losing to the Phoenix Suns on Feb. 26, the Lakers are 16-2 with the No. 3 offensive rating (121.6 points per 100 possessions), ninth-best defense (111.4 points allowed per 100 possessions) and fourth-best net rating (plus-10.2 points per 100 possessions).

While James’ retirement timeline feels pretty much uncertain, the Lakers being potent enough to contend and winning it might be the right storybook ending.  But again, the Lakers superstar has said nothing concrete about retirement. Only acknowledged getting older and not sure how long he will play. “When I know, you guys will know. I don’t know, said James a few weeks ago. I have no idea, I just want to live, that’s all.”

Despite being the third option, LeBron James continues to provide energy during clutch moments for the Lakers. Be it diving for a loose ball or running back on defense for a vintage James block. There is a big reason behind all the efforts despite a limited role.

One family member is providing LeBron James’ purpose amid retirement rumors

For years now, the 22x All-Star has been on record stating if would never cheat the game. LeBron James has trained his mind to be ready for any challenge by showing up at the arena 5 hours before the game. For the past two seasons, the emphasis on this has increased because of the arrival of his eldest son on the Lakers.

“When it gets to that point I feel like I don’t want to go early or don’t want to workout or train, then I’ll be cheating the game and I don’t want to do that. (On Bronny) I have even more of a purpose to show up to work, to workout and train, because I know he’s looking like ‘ok, that’s how you be a professional right there! So l have a responsibility with him around,” said James recently when discussing his future on Bob Does Sports.

Winning a championship with the Lakers will also mean winning a championship alongside Bronny. They have already created history by being the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA in October 2024 and subsequently recorded the first father-son assist on March 27, 2026.