LeBron James is, for the NBA and the world, an essential figure in understanding the history of the sport. His early precocity and current longevity, interspersed with a series of unparalleled milestones, have given him the greatest career of all time. Whether he is the best ever or not will be decided by public opinion—the arena where battles are won and lost in the war of legacy. That war has long turned its back on him, and now a small, sect-like group still idolizes Michael Jordan while denying the obvious in a debate that only includes those two figures plus Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. But no one has achieved what LeBron has achieved—his feats and triumphs are unmatched. Even at 41 years old, with 23 seasons behind him, he remains the leader of his team, as never before and as always.
The Lakers have advanced past the first round of the playoffs against the Rockets (4-2) without Luka Doncic, and until the fourth game, also without Austin Reaves. They did so against all odds, led by the King. At 41, he averaged 23.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, with four games surpassing 25 points, two double-doubles, and a 28+7+8 performance in the decisive sixth game to bid farewell to the Texans. Now, the Los Angeles team faces the Thunder in the Conference Semifinals.
And nobody—absolutely nobody—gives the Lakers a chance. Few believe they can win even a single game in the series, which should be easy for the defending champion. The forecast is clear: a quick and easy elimination.
This could be LeBron’s last dance. His camp has already said he does not want a farewell tour. And if the Lakers fall, the constant, lingering question will resurface: his retirement. Last year, he said he would play, at most, one or two more seasons, so if he bows out after elimination, he would be keeping his word. He has also spoken about wanting to spend time with his family, who have felt his absence most due to a life devoted body and soul to basketball.
He has given an interview in which he discusses the rivalry with Jordan, who the greatest player of all time is, his long-standing role, and his life and work—an interview with a farewell flavor.
No one knows anything, but the respectful duty is to enjoy the series against the Thunder as if it were the last—a unique last dance for a living legend. Then, whatever comes will come: the Lakers did not offer LeBron an extension, and he opted into the player option of over $50 million for the final year of his contract. It is expiring, so when the 2025–26 NBA season ends, he will become a free agent. Some have hinted that he might seek one last adventure with the Cavaliers in his native Ohio, alongside James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, a roster that would almost certainly secure a playoff spot. But even the greatest reigns come to an end, by mistake or abdication. Whatever decision he makes, his career will always be the greatest ever played—whether he has one more playoff series left, especially if he can pull off a historic but improbable victory, or if he decides to continue.
