LeBron James has sparked retirement rumours with a cryptic social media post that included a teaser of a video titled “The Second Decision” just a few days before the new NBA season starts on 21 October. The 40-year-old James, who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, is gearing up for his 23rd NBA season and remains one of the best players on the circuit.
In the previous season, James, who will turn 41 in December, recorded 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, but his future has been uncertain for a while as he has now just one year left on his contract with the Lakers. He would become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 season.
LeBron James ready to retire?
Amid the speculations of the upcoming season being his final, James posted a video on X with a caption: “The decision of all decisions. October 7th. 12pm EST.”
The decision of all decisions. October 7th. 12pm EST. 🫡👑 #TheSecondDecision pic.twitter.com/1uop8sIU25
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 6, 2025
The title of the video, “The Second Decision,” is reminiscent of the television show “The Decision” from 2010 when James announced leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat. Fans feel that at 12 pm EST (9.30 pm IST) on 7 October, the basketball star could announce something similarly big, including his possible retirement.
LeRETIRING? pic.twitter.com/dGzw34HbgX
— MFFL NATION (@NationMffl) October 6, 2025
No basketball player has ever played 23 seasons in the NBA and in 2024, James and his son, Bronny, became the first father-son duo to play an NBA game together.
Last week, James said that he remains “excited about the opportunity to be able to play the game that I love for another season”.
“The thing still pushing me is the fact that my love for the game is still high.”
However, LeBron James’ advancing age and his growing influence off the court — where he earned $85 million last year, excluding salary, according to Forbes — are thought to be reasons he may decide to hang up his boots.
For now, we can only speculate. Hence, it’s better to wait till 7 October, 12 pm EST, when the mystery will be solved.