Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, Cooper Flagg, even the Lakers possibly being up for sale—those are big headlines. But none of them tops the real talk of the town: LeBron James’ future. That’s the blockbuster everyone’s waiting for. Sure, he hinted early on that he wants to keep playing. But after watching how fast the Luka Doncic trade came out of nowhere, it’s clear—nothing’s guaranteed anymore. Rumors stay rumors until they get a blue check from reality. And if we’re taking Shams Charania’s word seriously, we might finally have an actual update.

“Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is exercising his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN on Sunday,” said Shams to ESPN. This is huge news. Bron entering a record 23rd season in the Association is a testament to him stamping the GOAT status on his legacy. But that extension comes with a slight caveat – something the LakeShow might not like.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career. We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”

LeBron James isn’t just a legend—he’s the legend. The man’s got four NBA titles, four Finals MVPs, and four league MVPs. He’s made 21 All-Star appearances and landed on 21 All-NBA teams. Oh, and he also became the first 40-year-old to ever make an All-NBA squad. Unreal. Even last season, LeBron still balled out. He put up 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds a game. Sure, his insane 20-year streak of averaging at least 25 points finally snapped—but just barely. From December 30 onward, he was one of only three guys to average 25-7-7. The other two? Just Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic. Not bad company for a 40-year-old.

But immediately, the thoughts shift to his 24th year. It’s as if the 23rd year wasn’t record enough. Paul’s statement has even put doubts in his future at the Lakers. The option didn’t speak of a 1+1 deal. And you know who might make the retirement imminent? Savannah James.

Savannah James would have LeBron James retire next season

Bron’s loving life in LA right now. He won his 4th ring there, right? What’s not to hate. “I am a Laker, and I’m happy and been very happy being a Laker the last six years and hopefully it stays that way,” James said. The talk of monitoring other situations is just due to the limited time he has on the court to win more and more. But there’s been a turn of events recently. And this won’t sit well with the Lakers fan either.

LeBron hit the NYC dinner scene this past week with his inner circle. At the table? His wife Savannah, close friend and Heat big man Kevin Love, Love’s wife Kate, and a few trusted confidants. It all seemed low-key—until one of the guests posted a quick clip on Instagram. In it, you can hear LeBron casually drop a bomb: “[Savannah] wants me to f—ing retire in the next year or so.” So yeah, retirement talk isn’t just smoke. It’s creeping into dinner conversations now.

Well, at least there’s some news. At least we know LeBron James’ immediate future – and that he’s gonna run it back for a record 23rd time. But will it be with the Lakers, for now and for the future? That’s still up for debate.