The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the NBA playoffs with a series loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, the speculation about LeBron James' future is taking center stage.
Videos by FanBuzz
Will the record-setting veteran player walk off into the sunset after completing his 23rd season, or will he return for a farewell tour in 2026-2027? The answer depends on who you ask.
According to The Athletic, James has not made a decision about his future. Retirement remains a possibility. Additionally, league sources told the outlet that he does not want a "farewell tour" to close out his career.
"The notion that James would want a farewell tour — long cited as evidence that this season was not his last — is false, those sources said, with several sources even hearing that directly from James himself," wrote Dan Woike and Sam Amick.
However, others are speculating that the 41-year-old could return for another season. He could reunite with the Los Angeles Lakers or the Cleveland Cavaliers. He could also join the Golden State Warriors after a March report that the team could pursue the four-time MVP.
For the 1000th time: LEBRON IS A NARCISSIST. HE IS NOT RETIRING WITHOUT A FAREWELL TOUR. https://t.co/IqwbKXAXDa
— ๐ฎ๐พ๐. แกฃ๐ญฉ (@Cindtrillella) May 12, 2026
James, for his part, simply said, "I don't know" when asked about his future after the Lakers were eliminated from the NBA playoffs.
According to ESPN, league insiders indicate that money could play a role in whether James returns for a 24th season. He earned $52 million from the Lakers last season, but it remains unclear if the team or any other would offer a similar contract.
It is worth noting that the veteran sells tickets and excites the fanbase. This directly translates to the team's bottom line.
"I'd pay LeBron whatever he wants as long as it's a one-year deal, no player option. Give him the no-trade clause," an Eastern Conference executive told ESPN. "Everything (Lakers owner Mark Walter) has done so far has been about good business.
"LeBron sells tickets. He keeps the (local) TV partner happy. Re-signing LeBron is good business."
