League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Stephen A. Smith predicts LeBron James will retire after 25th season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 22, 2026, 7:32 AM

Last updated Oct 22, 2026

Stephen A. Smith predicts LeBron James will retire after 25th season

Summary

LeBron James has just begun his 24th NBA season. Following his performance in the season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, Stephen A. Smith speculated on ESPN that James will retire after playing for 25 years. Smith praised James’ adaptation to a center role, indicating a shift in his playing style. Although James has not confirmed retirement plans, he acknowledged plans to assess his career length later. He remarked that it could be 24, 25, or 26 years of playing basketball.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•LeBron James starts his 24th season in the NBA.
•Stephen A. Smith believes James will retire after 25 seasons.
•James played a center role in the season opener.
•James has yet to announce specific retirement plans.
•He mentioned he will evaluate his career length later.

Latest Updates

7:32 AMYahoo Sports — Stephen A. Smith says he already knows when LeBron James is going to retire

What they're saying

"
LeBron James just started his 24th season in the NBA. The basketball icon, who is the GOAT in some people’s eyes, extended his own record when he played for the Philadelphia 76ers in their season opener against the New York Knicks.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

New York Knicks Philadelphia 76ers NBA Basketball