LEBRON James has given a major hint about his NBA future, The U.S. Sun can reveal.
The LA Lakers superstar finds himself at a pivotal crossroads in his illustrious career after a crushing playoff defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves abruptly ended his season.
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The 4-1 series loss brought his campaign to a premature close, leaving many questioning what’s next for the basketball icon.
James, 40, remained tight-lipped in the aftermath of the defeat, telling reporters he “didn’t know” what the future held.
He also suffered a knee injury during the playoffs which forced him to miss the Met Gala in New York.
However, The U.S. Sun has spoken to a source close to the four-time NBA champion who claims James still has unfinished business in the league.
James is heading into the final guaranteed year of his contract with the Lakers, though he holds a player option for the 2025-26 season.
That option, valued at $52.6 million, requires a decision by June 29.
If James decides not to opt in, he would become a free agent.
According to the insider, James feels he has “at least one more year” left in him and is even willing to take a significant pay cut to continue playing.
The U.S. Sun understands the sports legend is open to taking a $10 million pay cut for the 2025-26 season, potentially opting out of his current contract to help the Lakers bolster their roster.
“LeBron isn’t retiring,” emphasized the insider. “He still wants to win one more ring and play one more year.”
The source added that James has “plenty of gas left in the tank” and that his desire to continue working with the Lakers’ new co-star Luka Doncic—as well as helping his son Bronny transition into the NBA—is driving his decision to keep playing.
“The connection with Luka is the best one he’s had with a co-star in years,” the insider explained.
“LeBron believes another season will help Luka grow into the role of guiding the franchise once he retires.”
Additionally, The U.S. Sun has learned that James’ personal staff and coaching team have already been instructed to begin preparations for the next season.
Before diving back into basketball, James is planning to take his family on a European and Caribbean vacation to recharge after completing a record-tying 22nd season in the NBA.
When asked in a post-game interview about potential changes to the Lakers’ roster following their defeat to the Timberwolves, James deflected the question and focused on his own uncertainties.
“This is a business,” James said.
“You never really know what the roster’s going to look like next season, except for the guys already under contract.
“Honestly, I’ve got my own stuff to figure out right now. So I can’t say what’s next for the team. I don’t even know where I stand yet.”
His remarks have fueled speculation—not only about possible retirement but also about the prospect of playing for another team.
“Look, when I say continuing to play, I mean playing at all,” James clarified in an interview with ESPN.
“This isn’t about coming back to this team specifically. It’s about whether I want to keep playing, period.”
Despite these comments, the source insists that the pull of Bronny in Los Angeles is impossible to ignore, suggesting James is likely to remain with the Lakers.
“LeBron wants to spend next season helping Bronny settle in and establish himself as a solid NBA player,” the insider said.
“It’s been a draining few months, but he’s determined to give it one last shot.”