At 40 years old, LeBron James is still defying expectations on the basketball court.
But while he’s shown no signs of slowing down physically, behind the scenes, he’s preparing for what could be the final chapter of his legendary NBA career—or the start of something completely new.
Contract Plans and Free Agency on the Horizon
According to a new ESPN report, LeBron is expected to opt into the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that will earn him a whopping $52.6 million for the 2025-2026 season.
But after that? All bets are off.
For the first time since 2018, LeBron will become an unrestricted free agent.
That means any team could potentially try to sign him—though it’s not clear what kind of market will exist for a 41-year-old superstar, even one as iconic as James.
Not the Same Free Agency Frenzy as Before
It’s hard to forget the media frenzies that came with LeBron’s big decisions in 2010, 2014, and 2018.
Each time, he left his team—Cleveland, Miami, and then Cleveland again—for a new destination.
But this time around, insiders aren’t expecting that same level of chaos.
Part of that could be due to his age. Another factor? His son, Bronny James, is now part of the Lakers organization.
That family tie could influence whether LeBron stays in LA, retires, or decides to take a huge pay cut to continue playing.
The Tom Brady Comparison: Could LeBron Keep Going?
If there’s any athlete who’s proven age doesn’t always mean decline, it’s Tom Brady.
And while NBA stars past 40 rarely command massive contracts, LeBron might be the one to rewrite that playbook—again.
He’s already the longest-tenured player in the league.
His continued high-level performance has drawn comparisons to NHL great Alex Ovechkin, who’s also rumored to be nearing retirement after potentially breaking hockey’s all-time goal record.
A Decade of Maximum Contracts Could Be Ending
Since 2014, LeBron has consistently signed deals at the NBA’s maximum salary limit.
But that streak is expected to end soon.
Whether he retires or plays at a discounted rate, the days of those monster contracts might be behind him.
LeBron’s Eyes on Hollywood After Hoops
Basketball might not be LeBron’s only stage for much longer.
He’s already dipped his toes into acting with appearances like Space Jam: A New Legacy—though that film didn’t quite match the nostalgic success of the original.
Now, LeBron’s hinted he might be open to a full-time move to Hollywood.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, he said:
“If the scripts start to roll in and there’s an opportunity for me to do some acting and I have the time… I don’t mind looking at it and seeing if I can make it happen.”
What’s Next for King James?
Whether he’s heading into free agency, retirement, or a career in front of the camera, one thing’s clear: LeBron James is entering a new phase.
With Bronny now in the NBA and LeBron’s business empire continuing to grow, the next few years might just be as interesting off the court as they were on it.
And as always with LeBron—everyone will be watching.