LeBron James' future away from the Los Angeles Lakers could see him quit the NBA.
Since being drafted in 2003, James has cemented himself as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, winning four NBA championships across an outstanding career.
The 40-year-old's future in Los Angeles was the subject of speculation throughout the summer, but he ultimately decided to remain with the Lakers. Even so, many fans believe that this will be his final season in the NBA.
However, NBA analyst and ESPN journalist Brian Windhorst has dismissed the idea and does not believe James will stop anytime soon.
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Windhorst said: “I keep hearing people say: 'This could be the last year, this could be the last year'. Look, he has been linked to the possibility of playing in other leagues.
"I don’t know, maybe. But if he stays healthy, I don’t see LeBron James slowing down.”
There has been speculation about new basketball ventures outside the NBA. One possibility is expansion into Europe to create a direct challenge to the EuroLeague.
Another rumours is the possibility of a new league in the United States designed to rival the NBA.
If either of those projects gathers momentum, then James would be an obvious high-profile face to launch a new competition. For now, James' attention will be on getting himself ready for the Lakers.
He exercised his player option for the upcoming season, meaning he will earn $52.6 million in 2025-26.
The NBA's all-time leading points scorer is desperate to claim his first championship since 2020.
The Lakers get their pre-season underway on 3 October, when they take on the Phoenix Suns.
They will play a total of six warm-up games, before their NBA campaign gets underway on 21 October, when they host the Golden State Warriors. While many commentators do not believe the Lakers have a roster capable of challenging for the championship, they have several young talents that may develop next year.
Among them is Bronny James, who made his debut last year, as they became the first father-son duo to ever play together in the NBA.
Even if the last year of James's NBA career does not end with championship glory, he will be excited to share the court with his son.
And although fans expect this will be his farewell year, if James remains fit, he could still become the face of a rival league once his NBA journey comes to an end.
Topics: Lebron James, NBA, Basketball, LA Lakers
James Taylor