The future of LeBron James remains one of the dominant storylines in the NBA. Let alone for the sake of the Los Angeles Lakers, but the sports world in general, James’ next move has seen speculation since he picked up his player option with the Lakers in late June to set himself up for free agency in 2026.
But while headlines and reports have spread rampant over the summer, James and his team have remained somewhat quiet, that is, in terms of addressing his future directly. He has made headlines for other reasons over the offseason, but has kept everyone on the edge of their seats as it relates to where he’ll go and what he’ll do next.
Speaking in an interview with Complex, James stayed quiet on any hints at his plans.
“I‘m not hinting at anything,” James said. “Obviously, I know I’m on the other side of the hump, for sure. Come on now, I’m not about to play another 23 years, that’s for damn sure, and I’m not about to play another 10. I’m definitely gearing up to where the end is, I’m not there yet.”
James remains a member of the Lakers for the upcoming season. His agent, Rich Paul, gave comments to ESPN Shams Charania once James picked up his option, and many read that as a goodbye letter to the franchise rather than ensuring he is ‘all-in‘ for next season.
LeBron James Left No Room For Rumors
In the interview, James’ first major press junket of the offseason, the 21-time All-Star made sure not to hint at his thought process for what he’ll do next. Over the summer, James has been rumored to either be eyeing retirement, a move to another team, or even playing with his other son, Bryce James.
While all options remain possible, James said his picking up the new hobby of golf caused many to think he was inching towards retirement. However, the four-time Finals MVP did say that fateful day will come eventually, but not yet.
“Listen guys, every time I pick up something new, it does not mean retirement. … It’s just something I want to do, just a little hobby,” James said. “But retirement is coming, it is coming. It’s just not here just yet.”
James, the oldest player in the NBA and about to enter his 23rd season, has still been very impactful on the offensive end of the floor. His offensive rating might not be where it once was earlier in his career, but James has been near the top in both scoring and assist numbers over the past few seasons.
Even at his age, James staying with the Lakers or moving on would have a major impact on the NBA. While he was asked multiple times about his plans, James kept his thoughts about his future close to the chest.
Lakers’ Star Addressed His Most Famous Moments
Even after the interview, little is known about what James will do next. But while he didn’t give an answer to that question everyone is asking, the NBA’s all-time points leader did address many of his other rival moments throughout his career.
First and foremost, James addressed the ‘LeBron Be Lying‘ memes that have been around for the majority of his career. In response to a question on whether James was telling the truth when he said he knew Kobe Bryant was going to score his career-high, he had a blunt answer.
“Every time I saw something, people think it’s a lie,” James said. “When he got sixty, we’re watching that game, I was like, ‘He might go for eighty tonight’…He went for 81, so I did lie.”
James also discussed some of his other top internet moments, as well as his relationship with rapper Drake. Speaking on Drake, James said, even after their ‘beef‘ stemming from Kendrick Lamar, he wished the rapper the best.
“Always wish him the best,” James said. “Obviously [we’re in] different places right now, currently. He’s doing his thing, I’m doing mine, but it’s always love for sure.”
While James didn’t address the question of his future or much about playing with Luka Doncic, he at least did offer answers to some lingering questions throughout his career.
With an unknown future, James will enter his 23rd season in the NBA, but it may be his last in what has been a successful seven years with the Lakers.