The elder James currently has a $52.6 million player option for next season. While many have expected him to play out that option, insider Anthony Irwin reported that there is a real chance the 40-year-old turns it down and instead signs a new two-year deal.

The retirement chatter has surrounded James the past few years, which he officially squashed when he announced he’d return to the Lakers in 2023 at the ESPYs and again returned last season on a two-year, $104 million contract. This all came after James said in 2022 that his last season in the NBA would be with his son Bronny.

James will be entering year 23 of his NBA career, but he is still playing at a very high level. Last season, the former league MVP averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game.