'We need to start considering that this could be LeBron's last year in the league' - ESPN journalist

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James appears to be nearing the end of his legendary NBA career, with retirement potentially coming after the 2025-26 season.

ESPN journalist Dave McMenamin stated, "I think we need to start considering that this could be his last year in the league. Rich Paul (James' agent) told me there haven't been any contract extension talks because neither side pursued them. It wasn't even a topic of discussion. Now, you might wonder why the Lakers didn't make an offer. Yes, you could. But, according to Paul, there wasn't any tension or conflict surrounding it."

"It wasn't something they were trying to achieve. So, I think we need to look at it this way: yes, there's very little time left in his career," McMenamin continued.

"We already knew that. We've known it, basically, since he completed 20 years in the NBA – every summer he considers retirement."

James, who turns 41 in December, has been playing in the NBA since 2003 and has already played 22 seasons. He's a four-time NBA champion and is expected to earn $52.6 million next season, the final year of his current contract. He is currently the oldest active player in the league.

James joined the Lakers in 2018, after two stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and one with the Miami Heat. Despite rumors, he hasn't requested a trade nor has he discussed a buyout with the Lakers.

The NBA legend is expected to be with the team when training camp begins in the fall, although several teams still believe a potential buyout might eventually happen.