As the 2026 NBA Playoffs continue, it’ll be without one of the very best players to ever set foot on the hardwood. The Los Angeles Lakers were officially swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, thus sending all-world F LeBron James home.
Now 41 years old, could this have been James’ last trip to the postseason? Going out in the Western Conference semifinals would be far from a storybook ending, but The King is over two decades into his career. His play suggests he has plenty left in the tank physically. Does he mentally, though?
With year No. 23 in the books, is LeBron James retiring? Let’s break down his early thoughts on calling it a career, as well as what PrizePicks Team Picks says about his potential decision or next team.
Make your 2026 NBA Playoff picks on PrizePicks for the conference semifinals and more.
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LeBron James News: Is LeBron Retiring After 23 Seasons in NBA?
Immediately following Monday night’s 115-110 defeat in Los Angeles, James weighed in with his initial thoughts on whether he’ll retire or come back for another season.
He appears to be following a game plan similar to that of last offseason.
“I don’t know what the future holds for me, obviously, as it stands right now tonight,” James said. “I think I said it last year after we lost against Minnesota that I’ll go back and recalibrate with my family, talk with them, and spend some time with them. When the time comes, obviously, you guys will know what I decide to do.”
Many a spectacle has been made about James’ retirement in the recent past. Back in 2023, following another postseason sweep, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2003 NBA Draft shared at the ESPYS that he planned to return for the ensuing season. Last October, James’ “decision of all decisions” merely turned out to be an advertisement for a Hennessy endorsement.
In the aftermath of an emotional season and another trying NBA Playoff run, James seems set on letting time work its magic on his ultimate call. The wrinkle for this offseason is he’s slated to enter unrestricted free agency in the summer.
On PrizePicks Team Picks, a prediction of “Yes” for James to announce his retirement before the 2026-27 season returns a 3.84x payout. “No” returns a 1.23x payout.
Which Teams Could LeBron Play for Next Season?
In his 23rd season, James made it quite obvious that he can still play at a high level. Even after missing the start of the year due to sciatica, he managed to appear in 60 regular-season contests and average 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists on 51.5% shooting.
James’ success carried into the NBA Playoffs. He was the Lakers’ best postseason player, pouring in 23.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 7.3 APG on 18.3 shots each time out.
As the oldest player ever with a 20/5/5 season, James is in uncharted territory. He won’t go out as a depth piece or diminished role player. He thrived as a third option for the first time in his life, leading to many questions surrounding where he could end up if he plays next season.
Here are the top payouts for LeBron James futures on retirement or his next team, via PrizePicks Team Picks.
- Lakers or Retire: 1.88x No | 1.85x Yes
- Cleveland Cavaliers: 1.38x No | 2.85x Yes
- Golden State Warriors: 1.08x No | 6.66x Yes
- Phoenix Suns: N/A No | 8.33x Yes
- New York Knicks: 1.01x No | 16.66x Yes
- San Antonio Spurs: 1.01x No | 16.66x Yes
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Los Angeles Lakers
Returning to Los Angeles does make a good deal of sense. It’s where James has been since the 2018-19 campaign, and it’s where his son Bronny currently plays. James has endless off-the-court endeavors right at his fingertips, making this a logical hub for both life and basketball.
The duo of PG Luka Doncic and SG Austin Reaves also provides James with some star-level talent to feed off. The question becomes whether L.A. will ask James to take a pay cut or if the team has enough flexibility to evolve into a contender if James is back.
The Lakers are the favorites for a reason, but it’s far from an open-and-shut case.
Cleveland Cavaliers
How about a feel-good story that involves James taking his talents back to where it all began? The future Hall of Fame man has already spent 11 seasons with the Cavaliers, setting countless franchise records and delivering them a championship.
Again, though, James’ salary comes into play. Cleveland is slated to be over both the first and second aprons, via Spotrac, and is well over the luxury tax. PG James Harden has a $42.3 million player option that could swing things, too.
A core involving SG Donovan Mitchell and PF Evan Mobley would give James a shot to compete. Time will tell if that manifests itself.
Golden State Warriors
It’s long been obvious that James and Warriors PG Stephen Curry are good friends and enjoy playing together whenever the opportunity arises. Could they team up next season?
It’s difficult to envision. Not only is Golden State stuck cap-wise, but its roster is both aging and banged-up at this stage. F Jimmy Butler and SG Moses Moody are coming off significant injuries, and PF Draymond Green’s player option further complicates matters.
Perhaps there’s a far-fetched trade scenario. Maybe the non-taxpayer midlevel exception of roughly $15M would be enough to sway James. With that said, a union with Curry seems to be threading the tiniest of needles for juice that may not be worth the squeeze.
Make NBA Futures Picks on PrizePicks
As has been the case for nearly three decades now, all eyes are on LeBron James this offseason. Will he hang up his jersey for good, or does he have another season left in him?
Don’t wait — make your NBA picks on PrizePicks now and earn real money if you’re right.
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