Lakers’ LeBron James Reportedly Considering Retirement Announcement in August, Sources Say King Could Walk Away After 23 Legendary Seasons

In what could mark the end of an era in professional basketball, new reports suggest that Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James may be preparing to announce his retirement this August, potentially concluding one of the most iconic careers in sports history.

According to league insiders cited in a Wednesday morning report, the 20-time All-Star and four-time NBA Champion has been privately contemplating retirement for months, and multiple sources believe he may make his decision public before the start of Lakers training camp in September. If true, LeBron’s announcement would send shockwaves across the league, reshaping the NBA landscape and forcing the Lakers to fully enter a post-LeBron era.

A Legendary Career Nearing Its End?

LeBron James, who turned 40 this past December and recently completed his 23rd season in the league, has long defied expectations and conventional aging curves. Even in his late 30s and early 40s, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer has continued to perform at a remarkably high level — averaging over 24 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds per game last season.

Still, the toll of nearly two and a half decades in the spotlight may finally be catching up.

“LeBron has been thinking about this for a while,” said one source close to the Lakers organization. “He’s at peace with all he’s accomplished, and he’s looking ahead to what life beyond basketball might look like.”

The same source suggested that LeBron is currently weighing several personal and professional factors, including his health, his family, and his desire to spend more time with his sons — especially Bronny James, who was drafted by the Lakers in June.

Family Ties and the Bronny Factor

Bronny James’ arrival in Los Angeles was widely seen as a key factor in delaying LeBron’s retirement. The elder James has stated publicly on numerous occasions that his dream was to share an NBA court with his son — a milestone that may now be within reach.

LeBron and Bronny are expected to play together this upcoming season, a potential “father-son first” in league history that would be both symbolic and emotionally meaningful.

“Playing with Bronny may be the final box he wants to check,” said a longtime NBA executive. “If he does that in the preseason or early regular season, don’t be surprised if he walks away afterward.”

Some insiders believe LeBron could announce his retirement in August, but still begin the season alongside Bronny before making his official exit sometime during the 2025 campaign — potentially on a farewell tour similar to what legends like Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade received.

Others think the announcement could be immediate and final.

Physical Wear, Mental Fatigue, and Legacy Preservation

Even for a player as physically gifted and meticulously conditioned as LeBron, the rigors of professional basketball have taken their toll. James has dealt with ankle, foot, and back issues in recent seasons, missing extended stretches of action and carrying an increasingly heavy burden as the Lakers navigated injuries and roster inconsistencies.

Beyond the physical strain, there’s also emotional and mental fatigue. James has carried immense pressure since being dubbed “The Chosen One” as a teenager. Over the last 20+ years, he has shouldered expectations, controversy, and leadership responsibilities without pause.

Sources say LeBron is growing more reflective about his legacy — and more inclined to preserve it on a high note, rather than play into diminished years or risk injury.

“He doesn’t want to fade away,” said one source familiar with his thinking. “He wants to leave while he’s still respected as one of the best to ever do it.”

What This Means for the Lakers

If LeBron does indeed announce his retirement in August, the Lakers’ 2025 season outlook changes drastically. Already facing the loss of Anthony Davis, who was traded earlier this offseason, the team would be without its two cornerstone stars for the first time since 2019.

New additions like Marcus Smart, Dalton Knecht, and draft assets acquired in the Davis deal would suddenly have to take on larger roles. The team’s identity would shift toward a younger, grittier squad likely focused more on development than title contention.

And while Bronny James would remain on the roster, his spotlight would only intensify in the wake of his father’s departure — a potentially overwhelming dynamic for a rookie still finding his footing.

The front office, led by GM Rob Pelinka, would be forced to accelerate plans for a full rebuild or pivot to acquiring a new superstar to remain competitive in a stacked Western Conference.

LeBron’s Off-Court Empire Beckons

Part of the calculus behind LeBron’s potential retirement is the opportunity awaiting him beyond basketball. James has built a business and entertainment empire under the SpringHill Company umbrella, which produces films, documentaries, and TV content.

He is also a part-owner of the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC and is widely expected to pursue NBA ownership down the line — possibly as the face of a future expansion franchise in Las Vegas.

“He’s got more going on off the court than any player in history,” said sports business analyst Andrew Marsh. “He could easily transition to billionaire mogul status in retirement, without missing a beat.”

James has also expressed a desire to invest more time in philanthropy and education through his I PROMISE School initiative in Akron, Ohio, and other ventures supporting underprivileged youth and communities.

NBA Reacts: Shock, Respect, and Nostalgia

Around the league, players, coaches, and executives are already bracing for the possibility that the game’s most iconic figure of the modern era might be stepping away.

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry responded to the rumors during a youth basketball camp, saying, “If it’s true, he’s earned the right to go out however he wants. LeBron changed the game.”

Kevin Durant shared similar thoughts: “He set a standard none of us could’ve imagined. It’ll be weird without him around.”

Former Lakers teammates and NBA legends are also weighing in, with Magic Johnson tweeting:

“If LeBron retires, we all owe him a standing ovation. Greatest career I’ve ever witnessed from start to finish.”

A Historic Career in Numbers

If LeBron James retires this August, his career numbers will be etched in NBA history forever:

• All-time leading scorer with over 41,000 points

• 4× NBA Champion (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)

• 4× NBA MVP (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013)

• 20× All-Star, 19× All-NBA selection

• 2 Olympic gold medals

• Triple-double in every NBA Finals game of a series (2015)

His combination of longevity, versatility, leadership, and off-court influence has made him not only a generational player — but a cultural icon whose impact transcends basketball.

If LeBron James chooses to announce his retirement in August, it will mark the end of one of the greatest chapters in sports history. From a prodigy out of St. Vincent–St. Mary High School to a four-time champion, global ambassador, and off-court powerhouse, James’ career has been nothing short of legendary.

While fans across the world may not be ready to say goodbye, LeBron himself appears increasingly at peace with the idea.

He’s always said he would know when the time was right. Now, it seems, that time may be coming sooner than anyone expected.

Whatever happens this August, one thing is certain — the game of basketball will never be the same again.