Lakers' LeBron James Teases Retirement in Cryptic Ad
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been expecting to have superstar forward LeBron James back on the team for the 2025-26 NBA season. However, there have been some rumblings about him considering retirement.
James' retiring would be a massive shock. It's possible, but still seems very unlikely.
That being said, James has now teased his retirement in a new advertisement that he shared on social media.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after being fouled against the Miami Heat during the first quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on November 06, 2023 in Miami, Florida.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after being fouled against the Miami Heat during the first quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on November 06, 2023 in Miami, Florida.
Photo byIn a post on X on June 14, James shared the video. He was in a fake news conference and was asked if the rumors about his retirement were true. James also shared a cryptic caption.
Read more: Lakers Legend Magic Johnson Delivers Powerful Message to Luka Doncic
"I've been asking myself the same question...," he wrote.
Fans did not waste time taking to the comments section of James' most recent post.
"Don't joke like that king you got a couple seasons left in you," one fan wrote.
A second comment said, "I can speak for every NBA fan when LeBron retires the league won't be the same."
"Nooooooo bro please don't," a third fan commented.
Another fans comment read, "We know you're trolling!!!! The King's not done."
"Nah, you ain't retiring yet OG. You got another 2 seasons in ya fam," a fifth comment stated.
While there have been signs of aging in James' game, he was still productive last season. Passing on an opportunity to play with Luka Doncic for at least one full season would be a shocking move from one of the best to ever play.
During the 2024-25 NBA season with the Lakers, James played in 70 games. He averaged 24.4 points per game to go along with 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and a steal, while shooting 51.3 percent from the floor and 37.6 percent from three-point range.
Read more: Charles Barkley Doesn't Hold Back on Pacers-Thunder Game 4 Fallout
Even at 40 years old, James continues to be a dangerous threat. Los Angeles will have a chance to put together an offseason to improve its weaknesses from last year. If Rob Pelinka can add more defense and a legitimate starting center, the Lakers could be an NBA Finals contender.
All that fans can do now is to wait for an official announcement from James about his future. This advertisement likely doesn't have any truth or meaning behind it. For now, it's reasonable to expect another season from James next year.
Only time will tell, but this tease at retirement has fans panicking in Los Angeles.
For more on the Los Angeles Lakers and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Kevin Durant reportedly has 3 preferred trade destinations: Spurs, Rockets and Heat
The Kevin Durant trade saga appears to be entering its endgame, and three teams have emerged as the Phoenix Suns star's preferred destinations. The Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets are the teams Durant would commit to long term if traded, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Durant has only one year remaining on his current deal and could elect free agency next summer if sent to a team he doesn't like. Advertisement Despite Durant's preferences, the Suns have reportedly told six-to-eight interested teams they will make the trade that is best for the franchise, even if it's outside ofthe trio above. All three teams present an intriguing potential supporting cast for Durant — and questions about how feasible a trade really is. The Athletic reports a deal with either team is looking unlikely for now, while the Heat were hesitant about parting with Kel'el Ware and Jaime Jaquez Jr. during similar negotiations at the trade deadline. The Spurs entered this offseason in position to make a major move. There's little doubt in Victor Wembanyama as a future, if not current, superstar, and the team has already added some significant talent around the Frenchman. However, the team already has two major names at point guard in All-Star De'Aaron Fox and Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, and it's best choice for the No. 2 pick in the NBA Draft appears to be Rutgers point guard Dylan Harper. Kevin Durant knows where he wants to go. Do those teams want him too? (Photo by) (Chris Coduto via Getty Images) San Antonio trading the second pick for an established talent, especially a wing like Durant, has loomed as a major possibility all season. However, this team is also clearly built for the future, and trading young players for the 36-year-old Durant sounds questionable. Advertisement The Rockets are further ahead than the Spurs, going 52-30 this season on a core of both younger players and veterans. Trading for Durant would likely require parting with some of those young players, though, making a deal similarly complicated. As for the Heat, they have a Jimmy Butler-sized hole in their near-future plans and might need to wonder if the aging Durant will really put them on the right track. One other team mentioned by The Athletic as being in on Durant is the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are reportedly not including wing Jaden McDaniels in any trade talks. The Star Tribune's Chris Hine reports a deal is currently unlikely there. If a team outside of Durant's preferred destinations trades for him, they are betting on him either changing his mind down the line or having a spectacular single season with them. That complicates his market, but it's hard to imagine some teams won't remain interested.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Chris Paul Sends Clear Caitlin Clark Message Amid Fever Return
Chris Paul Sends Clear Caitlin Clark Message Amid Fever Return originally appeared on Athlon Sports. WNBA legend Chris Paul is sending his love and support to the Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark. On Saturday, the Fever defeated the New York Liberty at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis with a final score of 102-88, breaking the Liberty's undefeated streak they have maintained so far during the 2025 WNBA season. Advertisement Fever's star player, Caitlin Clark, had an incredible game and a comeback after she was absent for three weeks due to a strain on her left quad. In the 31 minutes of playing time she had, the guard scored 32 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and shot seven three-pointers. Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) had an incredible comeback after missing court action due to Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Chris Paul from the San Antonio Spurs, or best known as CP3, posted on X during the first half of the game, writing "Liberty vs Fever!! Great game! Caitlin Clark w/three deep 3's in a row #WNBA." This isn't the first time the Spurs guard praised Clark publicly. Back in September, when Clark broke the WNBA's record for most assists in a season during her first year, Paul reposted a State Farm graphic and congratulated her on X, saying, "Assisting is what we do. Congrats @CaitlinClark22 on breaking the @WNBA single season assist record!" Advertisement Other NBA legends who praised Clark's performance on Saturday include Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James, who posted "The CC EFFECT!! WELCOME BACK! You were missed!" after the game was over. Even Liberty's Breanna Stewart, who was trying to block Clark during a play in the second quarter, smiled and laughed with the Iowa alum after the 23-year-old guard made a 31-foot three-point stepback jumpshot. Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30).© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images The Fever also announced minutes after the game ended that the Fever set a new franchise record of 17 three-pointers in one game, with contributions from Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, Sydney Colson, Sophie Cunningham and Damiris Dantas. Advertisement The Fever's next game will be against the Connecticut Sun at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET. Related: Indiana Fever Announces Major News After Liberty Game Related: Fever Coach Stephanie White Responds to Caitlin Clark's Message Ahead of Return This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
ESPN wants to hire LeBron James as an analyst after he retires
ESPN wants to hire LeBron James as an analyst after he retires For the third offseason in a row, people are wondering if LeBron James will continue his NBA career and how long he will continue to play in the league. While most expect him to be in uniform for the Los Angeles Lakers this fall, nothing could be considered a foregone conclusion with him until it is official. The general expectation seems to be that next season could be the last season of his storied career. On the other hand, some feel that the chances of his son Bryce, who will play at the University of Arizona this fall, getting drafted in 2026 could entice him to stick around for at least one additional year. Once the elder James does hang up his Nikes for good, he should have plenty of activities to keep him busy and happy. But if ESPN producer Tim Corrigan has his way, the future Hall of Famer would start a new career once his playing career ends. Corrigan said that the network hopes to hire the elder James, or Stephen Curry or Chris Paul, as an analyst. 'We're hopeful,' Corrigan said. 'You talk about those two guys [James and Curry], besides their insane physical gifts and talents and all the work they've done, their basketball minds, we would all benefit from more exposure to that, right? And I would say somebody like Chris Paul, who did a little bit with us last year, coming in and jumping in the studio and doing all that, just to spend the time, to see how they see the game and feel the game and recognize, there's so many stories about LeBron knowing the call the other team's making and telling his guys on the court, 'Here's what they're going to do' based on who's coming on the court. We would all benefit from that in live events and things like that. To have the mind of people who think that way and see that way and have studied the game as intently as he has.' There is no indication that the elder James would be interested in such a role. However, in his role as the co-host of the "Mind the Game" podcast, first with now-Lakers head coach JJ Redick and later with Steve Nash, he has shown that he not only knows the game of basketball at a very high level but that he's capable of breaking down the game in a succinct and eloquent manner. While many former pro athletes try their hand at broadcasting, few superstars have gone down that route. One exception is Charles Barkley, who has had an outstanding second career as a Turner Sports personality. In addition, legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady is now a color commentator for Fox's top broadcast team alongside play-by-play man Kevin Burkhardt. The elder James currently has a $52.6 million player option for next season. While many have expected him to play out that option, insider Anthony Irwin reported that there is a real chance the 40-year-old turns it down and instead signs a new two-year deal.
