LeBron James says he doesn't know if he'll play another NBA season after this one: 'I have no idea'
- - LeBron James says he doesn't know if he'll play another NBA season after this one: 'I have no idea'
Jason Owens February 16, 2026 at 3:45 AM
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LeBron James was flippant when asked on Sunday if he plans to play another NBA season. And his answer to the question remains the same as it has been: He doesn't know.
James was asked about his NBA plans beyond this season during a news conference ahead of Sunday's NBA All-Star Game. Here's his answer:
"I want to live," James responded. "When I know, you guys will know. I don't know. I have no idea. I just want to live, that's all."
LeBron James on his plans for next year 😂"I want to live." pic.twitter.com/pLwgEC8bKV
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) February 15, 2026
James held his own individual news conference after opting out of Saturday's broader All-Star media day availability.
In scheduling his own news conference, James prompted speculation that he might have news to announce regarding his future plans. But he didn't have any news on that front and appeared perturbed when asked about it.
Will he or won't he?
The topic came up prior to James' 22nd All-Star game, extending his own NBA record. At 41 years old, he remains a high-level player when he's available to play.
Through 36 games, James is averaging 22 points, 7.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game for a 33-21 Lakers team that entered the All-Star break in fifth place in the Western Conference. He appears to have more gas in the tank if he wants to play a 24th NBA season.
He also has a historic amount of basketball mileage on his body as the NBA's all-time leader in minutes played. And his legacy has long been secured.
But his basketball future remains a mystery. There's speculation that James wants to stage a retirement tour that could potentially include a reunion and a third stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers next season. If that's his desire, he surely wouldn't say so in public while still playing for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Either way, James is sticking to his story about his plans for next season: He doesn't know.
Source: “AOL Sports”
