RismadarVoice Reporters, May 12, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers superstar, LeBron James has cast doubt over whether he will return for a record-extending 24th NBA season after his team was eliminated from the playoffs by the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
James, 41, delivered a strong final performance with 24 points and 14 rebounds in Game 4 on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena, but missed a crucial driving shot in the closing seconds that could have given the Lakers a late lead before the 115–110 defeat sealed a 4–0 series sweep.
Following the loss, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer admitted he has not made any decision about his future in the league.
“I don’t know what the future holds for me right now,” James said. “I’ll take time to be with my family, reflect on the season, and then decide what comes next.”
The defeat ended James’ historic 23rd NBA season, one of the longest and most decorated careers in league history. Despite his age, he remained a central figure for the Lakers throughout the campaign, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game while adapting to a reduced offensive role alongside teammates such as Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
The Lakers entered the postseason shorthanded but managed a first-round upset over the Houston Rockets before running into a dominant Thunder side led by MVP contender Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Gilgeous-Alexander praised James after the game, calling his longevity and sustained elite performance “unbelievable” and suggesting the league may never see a career like his again.
James, who has played more games, scored more points, and recorded more minutes than any player in NBA history, has consistently avoided committing to retirement timelines. Instead, he has repeatedly said he will make decisions in the offseason after reflecting with family.
His future decision will carry significant implications for the Lakers, who have built a roster aiming to contend for a championship in the coming seasons, and for the wider NBA landscape as one of the sport’s defining figures approaches the end of an era.
For now, James says he is focused on recovery and family time before determining whether his unprecedented journey in professional basketball will continue into a 24th season.
