The basketball world has been curiously debating LeBron James, especially when the word “retirement” slips into the conversation. But instead of letting that narrative dominate, James, who has been recently playing golf, spent the same day hyping up Bryce’s transformation into an NBA-ready prospect. On the other hand, he was laughing off a nephew’s challenge. But it all started with son dearest, Bryce James. The 18-year-old is gearing up for his season at Arizona, and the photos don’t lie, as he’s filling out fast.

LeBron made sure the world noticed, posting an Instagram story with the caption: “Was watching my boy on FT during his media day session yesterday and damn he getting jacked!! 💪💪🔥🔥🔥🔥… @__justbryce Keeping going up Twin!! 🫡🤎” Proud dad mode in full effect. Then came the nephew curveball. Three hours later, James reposted Derrick Traver Jr.’s playful story.

Traver Jr. had shared a viral post claiming LeBron once said Derrick Sr. was the toughest player he ever guarded. Traver Jr. joked, “My back hurts just thinking about playing u in ones @kingjames 😂 u gotta play yo nephew(DJ).” LeBron fired back with his signature laughing emojis: “🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 We had more than enough battles growing up for damn sure!” Fans quickly seized on the repost, urging him to take the family connection literally, maybe even play alongside a nephew if the clock still allows.

And about that clock? James addressed it directly on the 360 with Speedy podcast. “I know I’m on the other side of the hump. …  not about to play another 23 years, that’s for damn sure, and I’m not about to play another 10,” he said. “I’m definitely gearing up to where the end is… I’m not there yet. Retirement is coming, it is coming—it’s just not here just yet.” It was, in a way, clear-eyed honesty, while leaving just enough room for intrigue.

He also laughed off speculation that his golf hobby signals the finish line. “Listen guys, every time I pick up some new does not mean retirement. It’s like, oh, I’ve seen this motherfer with chopsticks. Oh, he’s retiring. I’ve seen you wear a t-shirt that’s too big. Oh, retirement. You picked up golf retirement. It’s like, it’s just something I want to do. It’s just a little hobby.” LeBron James isn’t walking away just yet, at least not now.

Much like in 2020, when his growing Hollywood ventures through SpringHill Entertainment sparked speculation that movies might pull him from the court, the latest retirement buzz is more rumor than reality. Back then, he silenced the chatter by returning to dominate and winning a title in the Orlando bubble. For now, he remains one of basketball’s biggest forces. But this summer has been unusually family-heavy for King James.

LeBron James is juggling between retirement and the family spotlight

After the Lakers were bounced in five games by Minnesota, he spent June watching Bryce graduate high school and Zhuri tear up summer volleyball tournaments. He admitted to embarrassing Bryce on stage during the ceremony, because of course he did. “I embarrassed him when he came off the stage, and I loved it,” he joked. But the proud dad moments coexist with a relentless scrutiny as Bryce gets ready to join brother Bronny and dad LeBron in the NBA.

From his spat with ESPN’s Brian Windhorst over the Mind the Game podcast to clapping back at Stephen A. Smith’s criticism of Bronny, LeBron has doubled down on family-first energy. Even Bryce got pulled into the speculation machine in July, when asked if he thought his dad would stick around long enough to share the NBA court. His blunt answer? “That’s OD… No. No. He’s gonna be 42, bro.”

Still, LeBron hasn’t ruled out extending his career for legacy reasons. He opted into a $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season. That alone suggests another year in purple and gold, though “not fully aligned” was how Rich Paul described his relationship with the Lakers. Toss in Luka Doncic suddenly becoming LA’s new locker room compass, and James’ role feels more complicated than ever. The stats say he’s still producing.

He’s averaged 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game over 23 seasons and is the second player to have more NBA regular-season appearances than any player in history, after Robert Parish. But the whispers about exit ramps keep getting louder. When he jokes on podcasts about holding up signs telling grandkids he dropped 101 points, it’s hard to tell whether he’s trolling or testing retirement waters.

And let’s not forget that this is the same LeBron James who once pushed for the NBA to adopt shorter, FIBA-style games alongside Steve Kerr. He’s always been willing to challenge the norms, sometimes for longevity, sometimes for fun. So what does all this mean? That even in the final stretch of his career, LeBron refuses to let anyone else narrate his story.

One day, it’s Bryce getting jacked, the next it’s a nephew joke, and somewhere in between, he’s reminding the league that he still gets to decide when the curtain falls. For now, retirement is “coming, just not here yet.” Which means there’s still time for family storylines, podcast debates, and maybe one more twist to add to his already unmatchable legacy.