NBA
Rob Pelinka said it ‘would be great’ if LeBron James retires with the Lakers
Zach Wolpin is an NBA and NFL expert who's been betting on the league for over three years now. Wolpin has been a fan of the NBA and has been watching for a decade and a half. He covers the latest news and stories surrounding the league daily. His passion in life is watching sports and being able to share that through his sports writing. He has written about the NBA and other sports leagues through various media outlets over the years like Sir Charles In Charge, G-Men HQ, and TAP into South Plainfield. Before he became an NBA News Writer, Wolpin attended Montclair State University where he graduated in 2021. He studied Sports Media and Writing while in school.
All posts by Zach WolpinUpdated3 hours ago on August 04, 2025
The 2024-25 season was LeBron James’ 22nd year in the NBA and his seventh with the Lakers. At last season’s trade deadline, Los Angeles acquired Luka Doncic from the Mavericks.
Recently, the Lakers signed Doncic to a three-year, $165 million contract extension. This offseason, rumors have circulated that LeBron James is unhappy with the team. Insiders have mentioned that James could look to part ways with the Lakers after the 2025-26 season. However, Lakers GM and President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka had an interesting statement. He said it “would be great” if James retires with Los Angeles.
LeBron James’ retirement is still a massive question the Lakers need answered
Rob Pelinka Says LeBron James Retiring With Lakers ‘Would Be Great’ https://t.co/EPuehy3Em8
— RealGM (@RealGM) August 2, 2025
During the 2025 offseason, LeBron James’ future with the Lakers has been a key topic of discussion. The team has shifted its focus to Luka Doncic as the face of the franchise. James is still the veteran in their locker room, but it’s no secret that the Lakers are invested and want to build around Doncic. This offseason, LeBron James signed a one-year, $52.6 million player option with the Lakers.
The first time in his legendary career that he’s signed a player option rather than a long-term deal. Despite concerns about LeBron leaving in the future, Rob Pelinka is staying positive. The President of Basketball Operations said dialogue with James’ agent Rich Paul has been “very professional” as well as open and constant. Pelinka mentioned how the team has the utmost respect for James and his family.
Lakers President Rob Pelinka on LeBron James retiring as a Laker: “All the interactions we’ve had with LeBron and his camp, Rich Paul in particular, have been very positive and supportive.”
“If he had the chance to retire as a Laker, that would be great.” pic.twitter.com/YXHTNDUX1G
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 2, 2025
Additionally, Rob Pelinka said it “would be great” if James retired with the Lakers. LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, understands the difficult spot the Lakers are put in. They want to keep James satisfied while also building their roster around All-NBA talent Luka Doncic. Despite having a no-trade clause, insiders say James could waive it if the right opportunity came up.
Los Angeles will work diligently to balance the passing of the torch. LeBron James was one the center of the franchise, but Luka Doncic has quickly taken that spotlight in less than a year. The 2025-26 season will be important for the future of the Lakers. Will LeBron James retire after 23 seasons or part ways with Los Angeles and sign with another team? Only time will tell.
