LeBron James is entering his 23rd NBA season, and at 40, the stats are too hard to ignore. 24.4 points per game, 59,041 career minutes, and still top-tier efficiency that defies age. Yet, the intrigue is not limited to the hardwood. It’s in what he’s saying, and not saying, about the future. The King has made it clear that some decisions aren’t for the front office, the media, or even his sons. They belong to the women in his family. And that choice is about to ripple through the Lakers’ strategy in the 2025-26 NBA season.

On Media Day, when asked if playing alongside Luka Doncic would factor into his retirement timeline, LeBron didn’t hedge. “Zero,” he said. The motivation to play with Luka is there, sure. He’ll train to give his best each night. But retirement? That’s reserved for a

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