JUST IN; L.A Lakers LeBron James Finally back out L…read more.
Wow, you won’t believe this, but LeBron James has pulled out of his deal with the Lakers, dashing hopes for his 23rd NBA season. Just days ago, it looked like he was ready to go for another year, ready to earn a whopping $52.6 million in the last year of his contract. Talk about a plot twist!
From what I hear, LeBron made this choice after some serious soul-searching and chats with his family and advisers. Even though he’s still in incredible shape, insiders say he doesn’t have that same fire to keep competing at the top level anymore.
This is a big blow for the Lakers, who had been planning their offseason moves around him coming back. They were counting on his leadership, skills, and basketball smarts to push for a strong season in 2025-26. The front office was already making moves with LeBron in mind, signing younger players and adjusting their roster.
Fans were super excited at the thought of him playing for a record 23rd season, which would’ve made him the first player ever to hit that milestone, breaking the tie with Vince Carter and Kevin Willis, who both played for 22 seasons. Everyone wanted to see more of those legendary moments that have made his career so special, like hitting major milestones in assists, points, and minutes played.
Now, people are buzzing about what LeBron might do next. Retirement seems likely, but some whispers suggest he could explore other paths—like getting into team ownership or something off the court. He’s always had his eye on owning a team, maybe even in Las Vegas, and he’s been keeping busy with his media and charity work through his companies.
Then there’s Bronny James, LeBron’s son, who just got drafted by the Lakers. A lot of fans wanted to see them play together, making history as the first father-son duo in the NBA. With LeBron stepping back, all eyes are now on Bronny as he develops.
The Lakers haven’t said much yet about this big news, but I’m sure executives will hold a press conference soon to discuss what’s next. LeBron walking away from what could’ve been a legendary final season really marks the end of an era. It’s unclear if this is the final goodbye or if he’ll take on a new role in basketball later. One thing’s for sure—the NBA is going to feel different without him on the court.
