Luka Doncic’s Rise Has LeBron James Rethinking Retirement Timeline

As NBA icon LeBron James embarks on his 23rd season, the most pressing question surrounding his remarkable career is when he will ultimately retire. During the Lakers’ 2025 Media Days, he addressed this topic directly, highlighting that his decision will revolve around personal considerations. The 21-time All-Star expressed that he won’t defer his career timeline based on potential collaborations with players like Luka Doncic or even the prospect of playing alongside his youngest son, Bryce. When queried about Doncic's influence on his retirement decision, James confidently stated, “Zero.” He emphasized that his commitment to excellence is driven by the desire to perform at peak levels for himself and his teammates, particularly Luka. However, with his 41st birthday approaching, retirement looms near. The Lakers' recent acquisition of Doncic underlines the organization's acknowledgment of this eventual transition, suggesting that the end is, indeed, on the horizon.