NBA insiders say LeBron James can play 25 seasons in another two years

According to US Sports F/W contributor Nico Martinez, LeBron James has broken almost all longevity records in NBA history - but obviously, he has not completed it yet. According to longtime NBA insider Mark Stein, the 40-year-old superstar can extend his career to 25 seasons, something no other player in league history has done. “In contrast, I believe LeBron played 25 seasons and everything is possible,” Stein wrote. "It's pure intuition again, but I certainly wouldn't be shocked if he played two more seasons after this season. I've made it clear that I think he'll play at least 24 seasons. By then, why not go to a quarter century?"

Now in year 23, James is already the leader in scoring and playing time in NBA history. He performed well in the 2024-25 season, averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds and shooting 51.3% from the field, indicating that he is still at the All-Star level, even if the Father of Time quietly arrives.

While James has not given a definite retirement schedule, his current contract with the Lakers will last through the 2025-26 season, which many insiders believe may be his last year in Los Angeles. No one knows exactly what will happen next, but Stein bets we'll see LeBron extend his career further, perhaps in pursuit of history, achievement, or the final stretch with his son, Brownie James.

As the Lakers are now focused on Luca's success, if James wants to end things his own way, he will need to take control of his next chapter. As an unrestricted free agent next summer, this will be his best chance to pursue the hero farewell he wants. The question is, where will he go? Now that Los Angeles is ready to move on, LeBron and his son will have their choice of leagues to choose from, but there is no obvious choice now. If LeBron really plans to play until 2026, his best bet is to find a team dedicated to winning now so he can make the most of his twilight years.

Regardless of the outcome, LeBron has set a new precedent for his amazing longevity. After more than two decades of glory, James is still strong and he has not lost his status as one of the NBA elites. Thanks to amazing self-care and crazy investment in health, LeBron is redefining the possibility of an elderly superstar, and he hasn't done it yet. If he plays for two more seasons, it will put LeBron on the horizon to break more records and consolidate his position as GOAT. Even more surprisingly, this allows him to play with his youngest son, Bryce, who will qualify for the 2026 draft.

Whether he reaches a 25-season milestone or not, LeBron James has redefined the longevity and greatness of the modern NBA. He maintained a significant position in three different eras, enduring nearly all opponents and continued to influence the league both on and off the court. Now, when he looks at the last scene of his unprecedented career, the question is no longer whether LeBron can continue playing, but where and for what purpose. If he stays healthy and motivated, 25 seasons are more than just a possibility. This is probably the perfect way to finish the story of one of the greatest players of all time.