LeBron James' wife Savannah made feelings perfectly clear about Lakers star's retirement
LeBron James could be heard revealing what his wife Savannah thinks about the Los Angeles Lakers star's retirement decision while dining in New York City earlier this year
LeBron James' future will be one of the main storylines of the 2025-26 NBA season, which tips off with Tuesday's blockbuster doubleheader on the league's return to NBC airwaves.
As James' time with the Los Angeles Lakers appears to be heading toward an end next summer, the NBA world is left wondering whether the 40-year-old might also leave the game for good after what will be his 23rd year in the league. His social media posts are continuing to be thoroughly analyzed in search of any hints that could indicate what the Ohio native's decision might eventually turn out to be.
But it was a video that he did not post himself that dropped a significant clue about which way James, who's been clear that any decision on his future will be made in consultation with his family, could be leaning. In June, the four-time NBA MVP was spotted dining out in New York City with his wife, Savannah, as well as Miami Heat star Kevin Love, his wife Kate, and others.
One of the dinner guests shared a clip of the evening on Instagram, where James seemingly suggested that Savannah expects him to call time on his illustrious career sooner rather than later.
"[Savannah] wants me to f------ retire in the next year or so," James could be heard saying in the video.
James has remained a dominant force on the NBA hardwood, even after entering his 40s, having masterfully adjusted his playing style to match his changing physical abilities.
The Lakers star might not possess the otherworldly athleticism that fans once witnessed, but his basketball intelligence and refined three-point shooting have allowed him to excel over the past few years.
James was selected for the 2024-25 All-NBA team for an impressive 21st consecutive season after averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game. However, the Lakers' playoff run, boosted by the sensational trade acquisition of Luka Doncic, came to an end at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 postseason.
James, who will miss the first month of the new campaign after being diagnosed with sciatica, sits just 50 games away from surpassing Robert Parish's record for most career regular-season appearances.
Among his accolades are four championship rings, the league's all-time scoring title, four Finals MVP awards, 21 All-NBA selections, and 21 All-Star nods — as well as the honor of becoming half of the Association's first-ever father-son duo after teaming up with his eldest son, Bronny, in L.A. last year.
Once back with the team at the start of training camp in late September, James quickly shut down any retirement questions while talking to reporters on Media Day. "I don’t know when the end is," he claimed, although he instantly added, "But I know it’s a lot sooner than later."
However, James insisted he doesn't feel like Father Time is catching up to him yet. "I feel like you are the age which you tell your mind you are," he said. "How could I not feel young? I mean, my wife is beautiful. I look good. I look at my age, it’s like the wine that I drink. The older wine I drink, the better it is. I feel great."
James also said that, contrary to his past suggestions, he won't be waiting for his younger son, Bryce, to join the league before hanging up his sneakers. "He has his own timeline, I’ve got my timeline," LeBron said about Bryce, who will be NBA Draft-eligible next year after playing his first season of college basketball at Arizona.
"And I don’t know if they quite match up. We’ll see." One way or another, James reiterated that when he finally decides to retire, the call will be made in the presence of his loved ones.
"It'll be a decision between me and my wife and my daughter [Zhuri]," James said on Media Day, pointing out that Bronny and Bryce no longer live in the Jameses' family home.
"It won't be a meeting with my teammates."