# **LeBron James Announces Retirement: 2025-26 Season Will Be His Last**
**June 2, 2025** — The end of an era is near. LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, four-time champion, and one of the greatest basketball players in history, has informed the Los Angeles Lakers and his inner circle that the **2025-26 season will be his last**, league sources told *The Athletic*.
James, who will turn **41** in December, plans to embark on a **farewell tour** throughout his final season, giving fans across the league one last opportunity to celebrate his legendary career. While his decision has been anticipated for years, the official confirmation marks the beginning of the countdown for one of the most storied careers in sports history.
## **A Career Like No Other**
LeBron’s journey from **Akron, Ohio**, to global superstardom has been nothing short of extraordinary. Drafted **first overall in 2003** by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, he immediately transformed the franchise and carried them to their first NBA Finals in 2007. After a controversial departure to the Miami Heat in 2010, he won **back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013**, cementing himself as the game’s best player.
His return to Cleveland in 2014 culminated in the greatest moment of his career—**delivering a championship in 2016** by overcoming a **3-1 deficit** against the 73-win Golden State Warriors. That victory, ending Cleveland’s **52-year title drought**, remains one of the most iconic achievements in NBA history.
Since joining the **Los Angeles Lakers in 2018**, LeBron added another ring in the **2020 Orlando bubble**, further solidifying his legacy. Even in his **22nd season**, he remains one of the league’s most dominant forces, averaging **25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists** in the 2024-25 campaign.
## **Why Now?**
Sources close to James say that while he still feels capable of playing at a high level, he has long planned to **retire as a Laker** and wants to go out on his own terms.
**”He’s thought about this for a while,”** a close associate told *The Athletic*. **”He always said he didn’t want to overstay his welcome. He wants to walk away while he’s still LeBron.”**
Family has also played a major role in his decision. His son, **Bronny James**, is entering his second NBA season (after being drafted in 2024), and LeBron has expressed a desire to spend more time with his wife, **Savannah**, and their children.
## **The Farewell Tour**
The NBA is expected to treat the 2025-26 season as a **year-long celebration** of LeBron’s career. Opposing teams are already planning tributes, video montages, and special ceremonies to honor him in every city.
**”It’s going to be like Kobe’s tour, but bigger,”** one Eastern Conference executive said. **”LeBron transcends basketball. Every arena will be sold out when he comes to town.”**
The Lakers will likely schedule his final home game for mid-April 2026, ensuring a star-studded send-off at **Crypto.com Arena**.
## **One Last Title Run?**
Despite his age, LeBron remains confident in the Lakers’ ability to compete for a championship. The front office has aggressively retooled the roster, adding younger talent to support him and **Anthony Davis**.
**”He’s not just showing up for the farewell tour—he wants to win,”** a Lakers source said. **”If they make the right moves this offseason, they’ll be in the mix.”**
## **What’s Next for LeBron?**
Retirement doesn’t mean LeBron will disappear. He has already built a **media empire (SpringHill Company)**, owns part of **Liverpool FC**, and is expected to pursue **NBA ownership** in the future. Many speculate he could eventually buy an expansion team, possibly in **Las Vegas**.
There’s also the possibility of a **Hollywood transition**, following his success in *Space Jam: A New Legacy* and producing HBO’s *The Shop*.
## **The Legacy**
When LeBron finally steps away, the debate over **”Greatest of All Time”** will rage on. But his impact goes beyond stats and rings.
– **4× NBA Champion**
– **4× Finals MVP**
– **4× Regular Season MVP**
– **NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer**
– **20× All-Star**
– **Olympic Gold Medalist**
More than anything, he changed how athletes use their platform, speaking out on **social justice, education (I PROMISE School), and business empowerment**.
## **Final Thoughts**
The 2025-26 season will be a **victory lap** for a player who redefined greatness. From **”The Chosen One”** on *Sports Illustrated*’s cover to **King James** ruling the NBA for over two decades, his career has been a masterclass in longevity, adaptability, and excellence.
As the basketball world prepares to say goodbye, one thing is certain: **We’ll never see another like him.**
*Stay tuned to The Athletic for continuing coverage of LeBron’s final season.*