Before a recent Lakers preseason game in Palm Desert, California, 40-year-old LeBron James was noticeably absent from the court due to glute nerve irritation. His gold No. 23 jersey hung unworn, but a triangular foam cushion marked his bench spot. This scene underscored his unique longevity in a league where most players were born in the 1990s or 2000s, while James dates back to 1984, predating even Suns head coach Jordan Ott by five months. Lakers coach JJ Redick confirmed James` limited participation in training camp.
Later, in the locker room, James, sporting a «Forever King» T-shirt, was asked about his readiness for an unparalleled 23rd NBA season. Teammate Austin Reaves playfully interjected, suggesting he had «another five seasons» left, and a reporter added, «Why not six or seven, get to 30?» Reaves excitedly pushed, «Yeah, set a record!» James, smirking, responded, «I already set a record.» Indeed, of approximately 5,000 players in NBA history, James is the only one to have played 23 seasons. He also holds records for most regular-season points (42,184), postseason points (8,289), All-Star selections (21), and recently became part of the first active father-son duo in the league with Bronny James.
James` illustrious career includes four MVPs, four championships, and four Finals MVPs. As he begins his eighth season with the Lakers – his longest consecutive stint with any franchise – his career`s «fourth quarter» raises questions about its true conclusion. He`s playing on an expiring contract after opting into his $52.6 million option for the 2025-26 season without negotiating an extension. During media day, James addressed retirement rumors, stating he`s «super invested» this season, acknowledging the end is «sooner than later.» The Lakers, who will temporarily be without James for three to four weeks due to sciatica, are coming off a season where they traded for Luka Doncic, secured the third seed in the Western Conference, but were eliminated in the playoffs. James` agent, Rich Paul, indicated James prioritizes winning a championship and might consider other teams if the Lakers` future-building conflicts with his immediate competitive goals. This sets up four potential paths for James and the Lakers this season.
- 1. Play out the 2025-26 season and retire as a Laker afterward
- 2. Play out the 2025-26 season and re-up with the Lakers on a new deal
- 3. Start the 2025-26 season with the Lakers and request a trade or buyout in January or February
- 4. Play out the 2025-26 season with the Lakers and sign elsewhere as a free agent
- LeBron Jeyms va Leykers: Mavsum uchun to`rtta potentsial ssenariy
- 1. 2025-26 yilgi mavsumni o`tkazib, keyin «Leyker» sifatida iste`foga chiqish
- 2. 2025-26 yilgi mavsumni o`tkazib, «Leykers» bilan yangi shartnoma imzolash
- 3. 2025-26 yilgi mavsumni «Leykers» bilan boshlab, yanvar yoki fevralda almashinuv yoki shartnomani bekor qilishni so`rash
- 4. 2025-26 yilgi mavsumni «Leykers» bilan o`tkazib, boshqa jamoaga erkin agent sifatida imzo chekish
1. Play out the 2025-26 season and retire as a Laker afterward
Despite injury struggles (missing 124 games in seven seasons with the Lakers compared to 71 in his first 15) and frequent coaching changes, James has achieved significant success in Los Angeles. He led the team to a championship in 2020, becoming the first player to earn Finals MVP for three different teams. The franchise celebrated him when he surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA`s all-time leading scorer in 2023. In 2024, drafting his son Bronny fulfilled James` stated priority of playing alongside him. The Lakers previously rejected a trade offer for James from the Golden State Warriors, and James himself reaffirmed his commitment: «I am a Laker, and I`m happy and [have] been very happy being a Laker the last six years and hopefully it stays that way.» GM Rob Pelinka also expressed a desire for James to retire as a Laker. While James` future intentions remain unknown, his desire for a strong team this season could influence his decision. The Lakers hold future draft assets (2031 or 2032 first-round pick, plus swap rights), but might be hesitant to use them if James is indeed contemplating departure. Subtle clues hinting at a potential retirement include a Nike ad using past tense to describe his career, the Cleveland Cavaliers` throwback uniform this season (matching his rookie year), and the NBA schedule pitting the Lakers against Stephen Curry`s Warriors for their first home and last road games – a fitting send-off for two era-defining players. James also posted a cryptic Instagram video after media day set to Lenny Kravitz`s «It Ain`t Over `Til It`s Over.»
2. Play out the 2025-26 season and re-up with the Lakers on a new deal
GM Pelinka`s media day comments, when asked about re-signing James, subtly shifted to wanting him to retire a Laker, suggesting an interest in a new deal. The Lakers are projected to have around $50 million in cap space in summer 2026, potentially allowing James to sign a three-year, $188 million max contract (starting at $58.1 million for 2026-27, as per Bobby Marks). While James` prime defies typical age curves, questions remain about how his timeline aligns with younger stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Both Doncic and Reaves reportedly enjoy playing with James and want him to stay, respecting his decision-making process. Doncic, who idolized James, values their partnership for current success and isn`t deterred by a potential «farewell tour» scenario, having experienced it with Dirk Nowitzki. The crucial question: if the Lakers win a championship this season (James` fifth), would he retire on a high note, or return to chase a sixth, matching Michael Jordan?
3. Start the 2025-26 season with the Lakers and request a trade or buyout in January or February
Rich Paul`s statement emphasized James` ultimate priority: winning. If the Lakers underperform mid-season due to injuries, poor roster fit, or a lack of competitiveness, James might seek a move via trade or buyout. His no-trade clause would require his approval for any deal. However, viable destinations are scarce. A return to Cleveland would be a sentimental «homecoming» but would require the Cavaliers to offload nearly $90 million in salaries, likely involving multiple teams due to salary cap «apron» rules, and would prevent them from signing him in a buyout scenario. The Warriors and Knicks would face similar restrictions. The Dallas Mavericks, with whom James has strong ties (coach Jason Kidd, former teammates), would also need to shed significant salary and might need to clear $12 million to become a buyout option.
4. Play out the 2025-26 season with the Lakers and sign elsewhere as a free agent
In summer 2026, ten teams, including the Brooklyn Nets, LA Clippers, and Chicago Bulls, are projected to have substantial cap space, offering James potential free agency options. However, leaving Southern California would significantly disrupt his family life, as his wife and daughter reside there, Bronny is contracted with the Lakers, and Bryce is nearby at the University of Arizona. Additionally, he would be part of a competitive free-agent class alongside stars like Kevin Durant and Trae Young, meaning widespread interest isn`t guaranteed. Thus, James` 23rd season could be his last, a stepping stone to more, or his body could ultimately make the decision. A source close to James emphasized, «nobody actually knows» when he will retire. James himself remains focused on the present, stating, «I don`t know when the end is, but I know it is not as long [away as] `The Godfather 2.` So I know I got to stay present.»
LeBron Jeyms va Leykers: Mavsum uchun to`rtta potentsial ssenariy
Yaqinda Kaliforniyaning Palm Desert shahrida bo`lib o`tgan «Leykers»ning mavsumoldi o`yinidan oldin, 40 yoshli LeBron Jeyms dumba nervining tirnash xususiyati tufayli maydonda ko`rinmadi. Uning 23-raqamli oltin rangdagi formasi kiyim ilgichda osig`liq turar, ammo uchburchak shakldagi ko`pikli yostiq uning zaxira o`rindig`ini belgilab turardi. Bu sahna uning uzoq umr ko`rgan noyob faoliyatini ta`kidladi, chunki liganing aksariyat o`yinchilari 1990-yillar yoki 2000-yillarda tug`ilgan, Jeyms esa 1984-yilda tug`ilgan, bu hatto «Suns» bosh murabbiyi Jordan Ottdan besh oy oldin. «Leykers» murabbiyi JJ Redick Jeymsning yig`inda cheklangan ishtirokini tasdiqladi.
Keyinchalik, kiyinish xonasida, «Forever King» (Mangu qirol) yozuvi tushirilgan futbolkada turgan Jeymsdan jurnalist uning misli ko`rilmagan 23-NBA mavsumini boshlashga tayyormi, deb so`radi. Jeyms javob berishga ulgurmasidan, jamoa o`yinchisi Ostin Rivz hazil aralash «Sizda yana besh mavsum bor», dedi. Jeymsning ko`zlari kattalashdi va yuziga tabassum yoyildi. Jurnalist «Nega olti yoki yetti, 30 ga yetmaysiz?» deb davom ettirdi. Rivz hayajon bilan «Ha, rekord o`rnating!» deb qo`shib qo`ydi. Jeyms Rivzga burilib, jilmaydi: «Men allaqachon rekord o`rnatdim». Haqiqatan ham, NBA tarixidagi taxminan 5,000 o`yinchi orasida Jeyms 23 mavsum o`ynagan yagona futbolchidir. Shuningdek, u muntazam mavsumda eng ko`p ochko (42,184), pley-offda eng ko`p ochko (8,289), «Yulduzlar o`yini»ga eng ko`p tanlangan (21) rekordlariga ega va yaqinda Bronni Jeyms bilan birga ligadagi birinchi faol ota-o`g`il dueti tarkibiga kirdi.
Jeymsning shonli faoliyati to`rtta MVP unvonini, to`rtta chempionlikni va to`rtta final MVP unvonini o`z ichiga oladi. U «Leykers»dagi sakkizinchi mavsumini boshlar ekan – bu uning biron bir jamoada ketma-ket o`ynagan eng uzoq muddati – uning faoliyatining «to`rtinchi choragi» haqiqiy yakuni haqida savollar tug`diradi. U 2025-26 yilgi mavsum uchun 52.6 million dollarlik variantini uzaytirish muzokaralarisiz tanlaganidan so`ng, muddati tugayotgan shartnoma bilan o`ynayapti. Media-kunda Jeyms iste`fo mish-mishlariga to`xtalib, bu mavsumga «juda sarmoya kiritganini» ta`kidladi va yakun «tez orada kelishini» tan oldi. Siyatika tufayli uch-to`rt hafta Jeymssiz qoladigan «Leykers», o`tgan mavsumda Luka Doncich bilan shartnoma imzolab, G`arbiy konferentsiyada uchinchi o`rinni egallagan, ammo pley-offda mag`lub bo`lgan edi. Jeymsning agenti Rich Pol, Jeymsning ustuvor vazifasi chempionlikni qo`lga kiritish ekanligini va agar «Leykers»ning kelajakni qurish rejasi uning hozirgi raqobatbardosh maqsadlariga to`g`ri kelmasa, boshqa jamoalarni ko`rib chiqishi mumkinligini bildirdi. Bu esa Jeyms va «Leykers» uchun bu mavsumda to`rtta potentsial yo`lni ochib beradi.
1. 2025-26 yilgi mavsumni o`tkazib, keyin «Leyker» sifatida iste`foga chiqish
Jarohatlar (birinchi 15 mavsumda atigi 71 o`yin o`tkazmagan bo`lsa, «Leykers»dagi yetti mavsumda 124 o`yinni o`tkazib yuborgan) va tez-tez murabbiylar almashganiga qaramay, Jeyms Los-Anjelesda sezilarli muvaffaqiyatlarga erishdi. U 2020-yilda jamoani chempionlikka olib keldi va uch xil jamoa uchun Final MVP unvonini qo`lga kiritgan birinchi futbolchi bo`ldi. Franchise uni 2023-yilda Karim Abdul-Jabbarni ortda qoldirib, NBA tarixidagi eng yaxshi to`purar bo`lganida nishonladi. 2024-yilda o`g`li Bronnining jamoaga qo`shilishi Jeymsning u bilan birga o`ynash istagini amalga oshirdi. «Leykers» ilgari Jeyms uchun «Golden State Warriors»dan tushgan almashinuv taklifini rad etgan edi va Jeymsning o`zi ham o`zining jamoaga sodiqligini tasdiqladi: «Men leykerdman va so`nggi olti yil davomida leyker bo`lganimdan juda xursandman va umid qilamanki, shunday bo`lib qoladi.» Bosh menejer Rob Pelinka ham Jeymsning «Leyker» sifatida iste`foga chiqishini istashini bildirdi. Jeymsning kelajakdagi niyatlari noma`lum bo`lsa-da, uning bu mavsumda kuchli jamoada o`ynash istagi uning qaroriga ta`sir qilishi mumkin. «Leykers» kelajakdagi draft tanlovi huquqlariga ega (2031 yoki 2032-yilgi birinchi raund tanlovi, shuningdek, almashinuv huquqlari), ammo Jeyms ketishni rejalashtirayotgan bo`lsa, ularni ishlatishga ikkilanishi mumkin. Iste`fo ehtimoliga ishora qiluvchi nozik belgilar orasida Nike reklamasining uning faoliyatini o`tgan zamonda tasvirlashi, «Cleveland Cavaliers»ning bu mavsumdagi retro formasi (uning debyut yiliga mos keladigan) va NBA jadvalining «Leykers»ni Stiven Karrining «Warriors»iga qarshi birinchi uy va oxirgi safar o`yinlariga joylashtirishi bor – bu ikki davrni belgilagan o`yinchilar uchun munosib xayrlashuv. Jeyms media-kundan so`ng Instagramda Leni Kravitsning «It Ain`t Over `Til It`s Over» (Tugamaguncha tugamadi) qo`shig`i ostida sirli video ham joylashtirgan.
2. 2025-26 yilgi mavsumni o`tkazib, «Leykers» bilan yangi shartnoma imzolash
Bosh menejer Pelinkaning media-kunda Jeymsni qayta shartnoma imzolash haqidagi savolga bergan javobi, u Jeymsning «Leyker» sifatida iste`foga chiqishini istashini nazarda tutgan holda, yangi kelishuvga qiziqish borligini ko`rsatdi. «Leykers» 2026-yilning yozida taxminan 50 million dollarlik maosh chegarasiga ega bo`lishi kutilmoqda, bu esa Jeymsga uch yillik, 188 million dollarlik maksimal shartnoma imzolash imkoniyatini berishi mumkin (Bobi Marks ma`lumotlariga ko`ra, 2026-27 mavsumi uchun 58.1 million dollardan boshlanadi). Jeymsning o`yin darajasi odatiy yosh chegaralariga zid kelayotgan bo`lsa-da, uning yoshroq yulduzlar Luka Doncich va Ostin Rivz bilan qanday mos kelishi haqida savollar mavjud. Doncich va Rivzning ikkalasi ham Jeyms bilan o`ynashdan zavqlanayotgani va uning qolishini istayotgani, uning qaror qabul qilish jarayonini hurmat qilgan holda xabar qilingan. Jeymsga bolaligidan beri muxlis bo`lgan Doncich, ularning hamkorligini hozirgi muvaffaqiyat uchun qadrlaydi va Dork Novitskiy bilan xayrlashuv safari davrida shunga o`xshash vaziyatni boshidan kechirganligi sababli, potentsial «xayrlashuv safari» ssenariysidan cho`chimaydi. Asosiy savol shuki: agar «Leykers» bu mavsumda chempionlikni qo`lga kiritsa (Jeymsning beshinchi chempionligi), u yuqori notada iste`foga chiqadimi yoki oltinchi chempionlikni, Maykl Jordanni tenglashtirish uchun qaytadimi?
3. 2025-26 yilgi mavsumni «Leykers» bilan boshlab, yanvar yoki fevralda almashinuv yoki shartnomani bekor qilishni so`rash
Rich Polning bayonotida Jeymsning asosiy ustuvorligi g`alaba qozonish ekanligi ta`kidlangan. Agar «Leykers» jarohatlar, tarkibning yomon moslashuvi yoki raqobatbardoshlikning yo`qligi sababli mavsum o`rtasida (yanvar/fevral) yomon natijalar ko`rsatsa, Jeyms savdo orqali yoki shartnomani bekor qilish orqali ketishni talab qilishi mumkin. Uning almashinuvga qarshi bandi har qanday kelishuv uchun uning roziligini talab qiladi. Biroq, munosib manzillar kam. Klivlendga qaytish sentimentali «uyga qaytish» bo`lar edi, ammo «Kavalerlar» deyarli 90 million dollarlik maoshni bekor qilishlari kerak bo`ladi, bu esa maosh cheklash qoidalari tufayli bir nechta jamoalarni jalb qilishni talab qiladi va ularga Jeymsni shartnoma bekor qilingan taqdirda imzolashga to`sqinlik qiladi. «Warriors» va «Knicks» ham xuddi shunday cheklovlarga duch keladi. Jeyms bilan kuchli aloqalari bo`lgan (murabbiy Jeyson Kidd, sobiq jamoadoshlar) «Dallas Mavericks» ham katta miqdordagi maoshni bekor qilishi kerak bo`ladi va Jeyms uchun shartnomani bekor qilish imkoniyatini yaratish uchun 12 million dollarni bo`shatishi talab qilinishi mumkin.
4. 2025-26 yilgi mavsumni «Leykers» bilan o`tkazib, boshqa jamoaga erkin agent sifatida imzo chekish
2026-yilning yozida, «Brooklyn Nets», «LA Clippers» va «Chicago Bulls» kabi o`nta jamoa katta maosh chegarasiga ega bo`lishi kutilmoqda, bu Jeymsga potentsial erkin agentlik imkoniyatlarini taqdim etadi. Biroq, Janubiy Kaliforniyani tark etish uning oilaviy hayotini sezilarli darajada buzadi, chunki uning rafiqasi va qizi u yerda yashaydi, Bronni «Leykers» bilan shartnoma ostida va Bryus yaqin joyda Arizona Universitetida. Bundan tashqari, u Kevin Dyurant va Tre Young kabi yulduzlar bilan birga raqobatbardosh erkin agentlar sinfida bo`ladi, bu esa keng qiziqish kafolatlanmaganligini anglatadi. Shunday qilib, Jeymsning 23-mavsumi uning so`nggisi bo`lishi, keyingilariga bir qadam bo`lishi yoki uning tanasi yakuniy qarorni qabul qilishi mumkin. Jeymsga yaqin manba, u qachon iste`foga chiqishini «hech kim bilmasligini» ta`kidladi. Jeymsning o`zi hozircha kelajak haqida qayg`urmaydi: «Men kecha haqida qayg`urmayman va kelajakni o`ylashga harakat qilmayman. Gap hozirgi zamonda qolishda… Chunki, men aytganimdek, qachon tugashini bilmayman, lekin bilaman, bu «The Godfather 2″ kabi uzoq emas. Shuning uchun hozirgi zamonda qolishim kerak.»
