James: I won t retire, I will only consider winning another championship or taking over his son s throne.

After yesterday's G5 series match where the Lakers lost to the Timberwolves 1-4, James was interviewed by reporters.

When asked how the team will improve their roster next season, James said: "This is a business. You don't know what the roster will look like next season, except for those who have signed a contract. To be honest, I have a lot to consider myself. So I don't know what the roster will be next season, and I don't know what I'm in now."

When asked to clarify his remarks, James told reporter Dave McMenamin that when he mentioned his contract situation, he was not suggesting that he was considering playing for other teams.

He said: It's just about continuing to play, and I don't know what he is doing now. That's what it means. This does not mean not going back to play here, it is just playing. ”

James currently has a player option to return to the Lakers in the 2025-26 season with $52.6 million. He must decide whether to execute the option before June 29, otherwise he will become a free agent.

reporter Shams said: James will continue to compete in the NBA. James has about 54 million player option, and he is likely to implement this option, at least one more season. In addition, Shams also mentioned that if James' second son, Bryce James, has the opportunity to enter the NBA through the draft in 2026, James may play for a few more years.

Shams said: "There is no sign that James will retire at the moment. My judgment is that he will play for at least another season. If he considers the 2025-26 season, this will be his 23rd year of his career, setting a league record-the 23rd season wearing the No. 23 jersey. The All-Star Game will be held in Los Angeles by then, and he is very likely to still play for the Los Angeles Lakers. This intersection of time and space is quite symbolic. If James makes this decision, he will turn 41 in December. It is generally expected that he will play for at least another season, but the longer-term future is still doubtful. "

" The variable worthy of attention is the development trajectory of the second son Bryce-James. Bryce is expected to qualify for the NBA draft in 2026, and if James thinks he has a chance to enter the NBA next year, he may extend his career as a company. This may be the only potential possibility to extend James' career. However, judging from his performance after the game, his attitude is still vague. "

" Looking at his career, whether it is the Lakers, the Cavaliers and the Heat in his early years, James always maintains a fixed speech whenever the season comes to an end: 'I will spend time with my family, communicate with the consulting team, and ultimately decide where to go in the future. ’Once ​​the suspense was the ownership of the free market, but now the focus is shifting to career length. "

" Whether you stay or not, the Lakers face many problems. James has the option of 54 million players. It is expected that he may choose to execute, but the construction of the team's lineup will become the key. The 40-year-old veteran even played a guest appearance in the center this season, but it is obviously difficult for the 41-year-old to continue to take on the role of the No. 5 position. The Lakers management needs to create a more sustainable tactical system for the end of his career. ”

James has a $52.6 million player option next season, and he must decide whether to execute the option by June 29, otherwise he will become a free agent. If the contract is out, he can sign a new three-year, 175.3 million contract with the Lakers. Since 2018, James has signed four contracts with the Lakers, only one of which has been over two years.