LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers forward, has ignited fresh speculation about his basketball future possibly taking him overseas after his tenure with the Lakers. This comes amid ongoing rumors following his decision to exercise a $52.6 million player option for the upcoming season without pursuing a contract extension.
Now entering his 23rd NBA season at age 40, James faces the uncertainty of an expiring contract and a shifting role, as the Lakers transition to a Luka Dončić-led approach. These factors raise questions about whether James intends to remain in the NBA or explore opportunities abroad to maintain his prominence.
Vacation Photos Fuel Mystery Surrounding James’ Next Move
On a recent weekend, images surfaced showing James alongside his business partner, Maverick Carter, vacationing in France with Miško Ražnatović, the agent of Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić and a notable figure in European basketball. Ražnatović’s Instagram post included a suggestive caption that appeared to hint at a significant shift in James’ career trajectory.
The summer of 2025 is the perfect time to make big plans for the fall of 2026!
—Miško Ražnatović, European basketball agent
NBA insider Marc Stein analyzed this cryptic message, proposing that it might imply James could finish his basketball career outside the NBA. Stein highlighted that Carter has recently taken an advisory role for investors trying to launch a $5 billion global league aimed at competing with the NBA, adding another layer of intrigue to the speculation.
[This] could be interpreted — if you so choose — as a reminder that James might not be restricted to playing in the NBA after this season,
—Marc Stein, NBA insider
The picture of James and Carter with Ražnatović — if you wish to look at it this way — could be interpreted as a hint from James that he might have his own far more pertinent visions of what classifies as a storybook ending.
—Marc Stein, NBA insider
Obstacles That Could Prevent James From Leaving the NBA
While the idea of James leading a new international basketball league or concluding his career overseas would be groundbreaking, there are practical considerations that may keep him in the NBA. His agent, Rich Paul, recently reaffirmed LeBron’s commitment to contending for a fifth NBA championship, emphasizing his desire to keep building his NBA legacy.
Stein also pointed out the complexity of relocating for James due to his strong family roots in Southern California, possibly making a move abroad less likely despite the allure of new opportunities.
Yet I also have to account for the possibility that I might be underestimating how difficult it could prove for James to switch teams (and cities) one more time after this season, given how entrenched he and his family have become in Southern California,
—Marc Stein, NBA insider
According to an unnamed source who spoke to Stein, James’ next decision depends heavily on how the upcoming season unfolds. Should the Lakers, now centered around Dončić, improve on their recent 50-win campaign and establish themselves as serious contenders in a competitive Western Conference, James may choose to remain with the Purple and Gold.
really depends on how this coming season goes.
—wise source, to Marc Stein
Implications of James’ Potential Move Overseas
A move overseas or to a rival international league would represent a dramatic turning point for one of the NBA’s greatest players. It would not only disrupt the league’s competitive landscape but also highlight the expanding globalization of basketball. At the same time, James’ entrenched ties to the Lakers and Southern California community suggest his focus remains on finishing his career where it has been shaped most profoundly.
As the 2025 season approaches, fans and analysts alike will closely watch how James balances these competing influences. His decisions will surely impact the future of the Lakers, as well as broader conversations about player mobility and the NBA’s global reach.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does LeBron James sleep 12 hours?
A. Professional athletes use up a lot more energy than others, so they often sleep more than 8 hours each night. For example, LeBron James averages 12 hours of sleep nightly. This is quite remarkable given that top athletes frequently travel for games, making it tricky to get enough rest.