2003-2025. For 22 unforgettable seasons, one name refused to fade from the spotlight: LeBron James. After Kobe Bryant left a void in Los Angeles, it was LeBron who stepped in, carrying the weight of legacy with grace. But as the saying goes, every great run eventually meets its sunset. And now, whispers about LeBron’s retirement, once just fan chatter and insider speculation, are starting to feel real. The King’s dynasty might be nearing its final chapter. And if that’s the case, another void looms large in Lakers lore.

If you go into LeBron James’ personal accolades, you might need a lunch break just to finish skimming his Wikipedia page. Since joining the Lakers in 2018, he’s added even more hardware to his legacy, most notably guiding the team to a 2020 championship in the infamous Disney World bubble. He’s a four-time MVP. A four-time NBA champ. A four-time Finals MVP. And without a doubt, a future Hall of Famer.  But as surreal as it sounds, the end may be near. Around the league, the chatter is getting louder. Coaches, insiders, even players are all circling one growing belief that this 23rd season could be LeBron James’ last ride.

Just a few hours ago, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints stirred the pot with a telling report: “Everyone knows that retirement is on the horizon for LeBron, and multiple agents, scouts, and rival team representatives shared with ClutchPoints that they believe James is gearing up to announce he will retire after the 2025-26 season.”

As if that wasn’t enough, HoopsWire’s Sam Amico doubled down. He posted on X (formerly Twitter), 

Now, what started as quiet speculation feels like something heavier, something real. After 22 iconic seasons, LeBron’s next big move might not be on the court, but away from it. While reporters like Brett Siegel and Sam Amico lit the fuse, journalist Rachel Nichols may have just added fuel to the fire. In a recent segment, Nichols brought a new name into the conversation, Savannah James.

Rachel Nichols gives legit reason why LeBron James wouldn’t leave Los Angeles

The relationship between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers has felt tense in recent weeks. Speculation about his future first surfaced when he opted into his $52.6 million player option, sparking talk that he might explore other championship-ready teams. Even his agent, Rich Paul, stirred the pot, suggesting LeBron could consider alternatives better positioned to win now. With reports now circling that this could be the final season of his legendary career, the buzz has never been louder.

But Rachel Nichols just offered a perspective that cuts through the noise. She said, “But his family likes Los Angeles. Savannah likes Los Angeles. Zuri likes Los Angeles. The boys like coming home to Los Angeles. I just think there is a lot involved in him leaving.” 

And she’s got a point. LeBron James has always been a family-first guy. Leaving Los Angeles at this stage, just to chase another ring, might come at a cost that outweighs the reward. For Nichols, the calculus is simple: uprooting what works isn’t worth the gamble.