LeBron James Retirement: Will 2025-26 Season Mark the End of His Legendary NBA Career?

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A fifth ring could provide the perfect ending to LeBron James’ career [photo credit: Lakers Instagram]

LeBron James is set to play another NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, pundits are more concerned about how long the four-time Most Valuable Player will actively compete, give that he’s not getting any younger.

Just recently, most were anxious to know what James’ big announcement was. Some anticipated a LeBron James retirement announcement last October 7. But instead, “The Second Decision” was nothing more than a marketing stunt to promote the future Hall of Famer’s upcoming partnership with Hennessy.

The Decision has been made. Cheers to year 23.@KingJames #HennessyxLeBron #TheSecondDecision #HennessyVSOP pic.twitter.com/WnXMZTiEPS

— Hennessy (@Hennessy) October 7, 2025

The promotional gimmick gave LeBron fans a sigh of relief. However, there were others who criticized the marketing strategy. One of them was ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.

“This was corny as hell, it was cringy, it was all of that — we know this. You’re promoting an alcoholic beverage and trying to give people the impression that this could be your final season and you’re retiring,” part of Smith’s reaction to LeBron’s stunt.

"I don't understand why the second-greatest player who ever lived … would stoop to try and garner attention for himself with something other than trying to win a damn championship."@stephenasmith shares his thoughts regarding LeBron James' "Second Decision" 👀 pic.twitter.com/nJbCF336LA

— First Take (@FirstTake) October 8, 2025

Carmelo Anthony shares his outlook on LeBron James

One friend who might have some insight on LeBron James’ retirement plans is Carmelo Anthony. But Melo admitted in an interview with D.J. Siddiqi that like most, he has no idea on what Bron will decide. However, the 3^rd overall pick of the 2003 Draft that it would be best to see how the 21-time All-Star will treat his 2025-26 season.

“I don’t know (what he will do), but he should end his years with the Lakers,” Anthony shared to Siddiqi in an exclusive interview. “You’re talking about somebody who wants to win championships, and he wants to be put into the right position to win it. It’s a lot of talk around him, surrounding him and surrounding the Lakers, like it is every single year. He’s just going to go out there and play.”

LeBron’s health and focus entering the new season

James, who turns 41 this December, continues to play at a high level. However, an important thing that the LeBron needs to pay attention to is his health. Anthony believes this is a focus that the Lakers superstar will pay close attention to.

“He’s going to be more focused on taking care of his body and making sure that he’s prepared throughout this long season. Him being 40, 41 years old, I think the body is the most important thing. The game is the game. When he’s ready to get out there, he’s going to get out there and give it his all. It’s a long season.”

With Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves plus the addition of DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart, the Lakers are aiming to perform better and hopefully make a return trip to the NBA Finals. Despite all that talent, getting there will not be easy with most teams having that same thing in mind.

Could a fifth ring signal the end of LeBron James’ career?

For James, winning a fifth — and possibly last — NBA title would be defining. It could serve as the storybook ending he’s been aiming for before officially closing a storied professional basketball career.

Beyond that, LeBron James has nothing left to prove. His legacy as one of the NBA’s all-time greats is already secured, and perhaps the only thing left for him is to capture one final championship before retirement.

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Brian Yalung

Managing Editor at Sports Bytes PH

Brian Yalung is a long-time writer who covers most sports and technology. He focuses on one-on-one interviews with athletes and organizations, going in-depth. He finished his Masters in Business Administration degree at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Applications at the DLSU-College of St. Benilde.