LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers star and considered by many one of the greatest players in basketball history, is already thinking about life after he retires. Coaching, however, is not part of his future… at least not in an official NBA capacity. The only exception he sees is guiding his sons as they pursue professional careers.
In an interview with CGTN Sports Scene, the four-time NBA champion was clear about what comes after his playing days. He said the game has inspired him and he loves it, but coaching is not in his future, ruling out following the path of other legends who transitioned to the bench after their careers.
James continues performing at the highest level. Last season, he played 70 games and averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds, numbers that earned him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team. Despite his age, he still has a major impact on the league and keeps the Lakers in contention in the West.
Over the summer, he exercised his player option to stay in Los Angeles for another year. For the first time in his career, he will play on an expiring contract, creating uncertainty both for the franchise and around the league. Still, LeBron prepares for his 23rd NBA season, setting an all-time record that highlights his longevity.
James already led the Lakers to a championship in 2020, but at 40 years old he remains ambitious to win another ring, now alongside Luka Doncic. The duo is viewed as one of the most intriguing pairings in the NBA, though there is uncertainty about how long they will share a locker room given doubts about LeBron’s future beyond 2026.
The timing of his retirement is still undefined. Reports indicate that the Lakers’ front office also lacks a clear plan for the future of the four-time Finals MVP. As a result, each of LeBron’s games is seen as part of a historic legacy that already guarantees him a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield.
Beyond his athletic achievements, James has made it clear that his next chapter will focus on supporting his family. His goal is to guide his sons off the court and instill in them the discipline that made him one of the most successful players in history.
In the meantime, the NBA prepares for another season in which LeBron will continue to challenge the limits of age. With the uncertainty of whether this will be his final year or if he will extend his career beyond 2026, the only certainty is that his impact will continue to shape the league as it has since his 2003 debut.
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