LeBron James' retirement plans couldn't be any clearer after recent social media post

Los Angeles Lakers fans won’t be able to rest until LeBron James makes a final announcement on his retirement status. 

While James hasn’t made it official that he’s returning for Year 23, his recent Instagram post made it clear which direction he’s leaning toward.

“Man, it felt good to get back out there today for the first time since my MCL injury (Almost 8 weeks ago),” James wrote Monday. “Been at it with my rehab & training regimen to get back to form. Obviously not where I wanna be ultimately, but off to a good start.”

“What a GREAT FEELING!! S/O my brother Kevin Love for allowing me to crash his workout! And also S/O Chris Brickley for always looking out when I’m in the city!”

Would a player who doesn’t intend to spend another season in the NBA announce that he’s working toward getting 100% healthy after a significant lower-body injury? Probably not, which likely means James is nearly a lock to complete his 23rd season in the big leagues next season. 

At age 40, James’ career outlook doesn’t look as promising as it did years ago. Still, the 21-time All-Star appears to make it work alongside Luka Doncic for at least one more year and compete for his fifth NBA championship. 

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James was the Lakers’ second most productive contributor during the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game while finishing with satisfactory shooting splits.  

A return to the NBA seems more likely than ever for James in late June.

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