LeBron James’ remarkable longevity in the NBA is a topic of fascination as he continues to play at an elite level in his 23rd season. Recently, James has faced challenges, including a sciatica issue that affected his preseason and early games of the 2025-26 season. This rough start included the end of his impressive 18-year streak of scoring at least 10 points in every game, raising questions about his future in the league.
However, demonstrating his resilience, James rebounded quickly, scoring 29 points in a pivotal game against the Philadelphia 76ers, reminding fans and critics alike that he still has the ability to lead his team in critical moments. Amidst these performances, speculation about his retirement has intensified, especially following comments from former teammate Danny Green. Green, who shared the court with James during significant moments in both Cleveland and Los Angeles, expressed his belief that this season could be the final chapter of James’ illustrious career.
“I just don’t see him making it to year 24. Like, I think this is it, and we need to appreciate it,” Green stated on the podcast No Fouls Given. While LeBron himself has remained noncommittal about his retirement plans, suggesting he may not make a decision until after the NBA Finals, there have been subtle clues indicating this might indeed be his last season. Notably, he shared a video on Instagram that featured Lenny Kravitz’s “It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over,” which some interpret as a hint about his future in basketball.
As a player who has worn the number 23 throughout his career, the possibility of concluding his journey after 23 seasons holds a symbolic weight that many fans find poetic. While discussions about his retirement grow louder, it remains essential to appreciate LeBron James’ enduring talent and contributions to the game. He has achieved greatness over an extended period, and his presence in the league is a rare phenomenon that future generations may not witness. Thus, whether or not this season marks the end for the King, it’s vital for fans and the basketball community to cherish his remarkable career while they can.