JJ Redick Reveals Timeline For LeBron James Retirement Decision

LeBron James’ NBA future remains uncertain after the LA Lakers ended their 2025-2026 NBA campaign with a sweep by the OKC Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. With his future still up in the air, Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who is also a friend of James and a former podcast partner, revealed the possible timeline for the 23-year veteran’s next career decision. 

Redick said that James’ decision would be known in the next two months, during which James would have the choice to sign another contract with a team and ultimately walk away from the sport. 

“I haven’t even thought about that. We’ll deal with the offseason in the offseason, which is the next two months,” Redick said after Game 4 against the Thunder, 115-110. 

Redick has been coaching James over the past two seasons. This year, the Lakers improved after a first-round exit last year. In Round 1, they defeated the Houston Rockets in six games. 

James’ contract will expire after the season. While he remains a valuable contributor for the Lakers this season, many believed it could be his final year in the league as he turned 41 years old last December.

James, the oldest active player this season, played as the Lakers’ third option this season behind leading scorer Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. 

In the regular season, James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. James’ production jumped in the playoffs as the Lakers dealt with the injuries of Doncic and Reaves, putting up 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. 

Nothing Set in Stone For LeBron James’ Future

GettyLeBron James’ future with the Lakers has become one of the NBA’s biggest offseason storylines following a new insider report that intensified speculation about his next move.

LeBron James got candid about his career future as retirement looms after he wrapped up his 23rd season in the league. 

“I think you guys asked me about [retirement], and I’ve answered questions. I don’t think I’ve come out and been like, ‘Oh, retirement is coming,’” he said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “With my future, I don’t know, honestly. It’s, obviously it’s still fresh from, obviously losing [the series]. And I don’t know. I don’t know what the future holds for me.”

If this is the last, James said that he is proud of what he did for the Lakers despite falling via swep against the Thunder, his fourth 4-0 deficit in the NBA playoffs. 

“I can leave the floor saying, ‘S—, even though I hate losing obviously, I was locked in on what we needed to do,” he said. “I tried to make sure our guys were locked in on what we needed to do throughout the postseason, throughout 10 games.”

“And obviously we fell a little short, but I’m not looking at my year as a disappointment, that’s for damn sure.”

He is making $52.6 million this season, the highest-paid player on the Lakers roster. 

With his possible departure, the Lakers would open up a massive cap space that could allow them to restructure their roster for next season. 

LeBron James’ Son Also Has No Clue About Father’s Future

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 29: Bronny James #9 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warm up prior to Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on April 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Bronny James, who has been with the Lakers in the past two seasons, was asked about his father LeBron’s future, but even he does not know. 

“I have no clue,” he said. “I’m not going to lie to you. He looks like he can play another however many years, but he’s been in the league for longer than he’s been out of the league. It’s insane. I think he should think about it, and whatever he feels happy with, do that.”

Over the past two years, Bronny and LeBron became the first father-and-son duo to share the court in NBA history. 

For now, James’ rumors include a possible signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers, his hometown team, next season or re-signing with the Lakers. 

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