Savannah James Wants LeBron James Off the Court “In the Next Year or So” [Video]

LeBron James is giving the Lakers at least one more season, but the end might be coming sooner than expected.

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After turning 40 in December, James picked up his player option worth nearly $53 million to remain in Los Angeles. While that guarantees another season in purple and gold, it doesn’t promise much more. Behind the scenes, LeBron is reportedly watching the team’s every move this offseason.

According to Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, “LeBron wants to compete for a championship… He knows the Lakers are building for the future, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.”

James hasn’t made any firm statements about retiring, but a recent video might have said more than he intended. During a dinner with his wife, Savannah, and close friends, he was caught on camera saying she wants him to hang it up “in the next year or so.”

His arrival in L.A. back in 2018 was met with skepticism. Many thought the move was more about business than basketball. Then came the 2020 title run with Anthony Davis, silencing critics and proving LeBron still had plenty left. Now, the pressure is back on the Lakers to surround him with a roster built for one final championship push. There’s been buzz about targeting Luka Dončić to help bring another title to L.A. But James isn’t sticking around just to babysit a rebuild.

If the Lakers stumble or fall short of serious contention by 2026, that “realistic chance” talk might turn into a farewell tour. The league has never seen a player like LeBron, dominant for two decades, while still producing at a high level in his 40s. But even legends know when it’s time.

This season could be it, not just for the Lakers’ title hopes, but for the GOAT himself.