LeBron James’ future in the NBA is once again a hot topic of debate, following surprising reports that his eldest son, Bronny James, may have shed light on the superstar’s next move. The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs after a sweep by the Denver Nuggets, and in the aftermath, LeBron himself hinted at uncertainty regarding his return for another season. Speaking to reporters after Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, the four-time NBA champion admitted, “I got a lot to think about,” fueling speculation about possible retirement.

While many fans and analysts chalked up LeBron’s comments to post-game emotions—understandable after a tough loss—few truly believe the 20-year veteran would walk away from the game, especially with nearly $97 million left on his contract. There’s also the highly anticipated prospect of Bronny joining the NBA as early as next year, a milestone LeBron has openly stated he’s been waiting for, hoping to share the court with his son.

LeBron’s durability and continued dominance, even after two decades in the league, make the idea of retirement seem unlikely. He recently surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, adding another historic achievement to his already legendary career. With four rings, four MVP Awards, and countless accolades, it’s hard to imagine him stepping away when he’s still capable of performing at the highest level.

However, rumors have gained traction after the Instagram account Mock Trades reported that Bronny James, who’s committed to play for USC, revealed in an Instagram Live video that his father is “really leaning towards retiring.” According to the account, Bronny suggested that LeBron is keen on focusing on developing his kids—presumably Bronny and his younger brother Bryce—rather than continuing his own career. The video in question has yet to surface, but if the comments are genuine, it’s likely only a matter of time before they make their way into the public eye.

LeBron’s desire to support his sons’ growth, both on and off the court, could be a powerful motivator for stepping away from the NBA spotlight. Still, for many fans, the idea of LeBron retiring before playing alongside Bronny seems almost unthinkable. As speculation continues, all eyes remain on the James family, waiting to see if LeBron will defy expectations once again—or if he’ll choose to close the book on an extraordinary career and focus on the next generation.