After the Los Angeles Lakers crashed out of the NBA Play-Offs, fans feared that LeBron James could retire from basketball after admitting he has "a lot to think about".
The Lakers were swept 4-0 in the Western Conference finals against the Denver Nuggets, as Nikola Jokic eased his way to the MVP award for the series. After their Play-Off exit, James said: "I got a lot to think about. Just personally, with me moving forward with the game of basketball, I got a lot to think about."
James is contracted until the end of the 2023/24 season, but could extend his Lakers deal until 2025 if he decides to pick up a player option. James would be playing until the age of 40 if that was the case, but the Lakers forward still hasn't achieved everything he planned to do before retiring.
For someone as talented and appreciated as James, it's unlikely he'd retire from the NBA suddenly without staging a 'retirement tour', whether that be next season or the following campaign. James is desperate to win a fifth NBA Championship, but the recent Western Conference finals proved that the Lakers are still far from being a serious finals contender.
Away from the NBA season, there's a possibility that James could be given the perfect send-off in 2025 as Los Angeles are among the bidders to host the 2025 All-Star game. Team LeBron has been a regular feature in the All-Star series, and James could go out in style in front of the LA fans.
The location for the 2025 All-Star game is yet to be confirmed, but LA are the favourites to host the event and James' position could even play a major part in their bid. However, there's also a possibility that James could move away from the Lakers for the 2024/25 season, and it could hinge on the 2024 NBA Draft.
James has made it clear that he wants to play with his eldest son, Bronny, before retiring from basketball. His son has already announced his commitment to University of Southern California for next season, a short trip down the road from his father.
Bronny is already a top NBA prospect for the future, and could declare for the 2024 Draft after just one season in USC if everything goes to plan. At that point, all eyes would be on who selects James' son, as that team could very well acquire his father too.
James could sign extremely reduced terms to link up with his son for one final season, as playing with Bronny remains a priority. James may be turning 40 by that point, but is still playing at Championship level aged 38.
2025 could be the perfect year for James to retire, as the Fenway Sports Group investor has also been linked with a potential NBA franchise bid in Vegas. Rumours have circled about FSG exploring a NBA franchise in Las Vegas, with James being the face of the new team.
Seattle is also a future franchise location that's been discussed, but following the success of other teams in the Vegas region, it remains the most desired spot for a new team. The Vegas Golden Knights blew open the sporting door after entering the NHL in 2017, and the Oakland Raiders moved to Vegas in 2020 to represent the NFL.
Another sports team from Oakland could be on their way, as MLB team Oakland Athletics are in talks with moving to Vegas with new ballpark plans currently in motion. That leaves the NBA as the only vacant spot for the four major American leagues, and billionaire James could see that as a huge opportunity.
