Is LeBron retiring? Everything Lakers star said about 'future' after sweep

The Los Angeles Lakers got swept on Monday night, with a Western semifinal loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder that immediately thrust the spotlight on LeBron James and his future.

With all the talk about the "R" word -- retirement -- swirling for the 41-year-old who's done it all in a career full of accomplishments, will he truly call it quits now?

He spoke openly about that in a postgame chat with reporters.

"I don’t know what the future holds for me," he said. "As it stands right now tonight, I got a lot of time. ... I’ll go back and recalibrate with my family and talk with them, and spend some time with them, and when the time comes, obviously, you guys will know what I decide to do.”

LeBron James on his future:

"I don’t know what the future holds for me ... I’ll go back and recalibrate with my family and talk with them, spend some time with them, and when the time comes, you guys will know what I decide to do.”pic.twitter.com/zTpxHWi00T

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 12, 2026

Why LeBron might retire after this season

First off, he's getting older. Father Time catches up with everyone. And there's really not much left that he hasn't done already that might be on his NBA bucket list. MVPs. Multiple rings, including one at every stop (including delivering one to Cleveland). Playing with his son, Bronny.

Plus, there's the fact that he's on a Lakers team where's not the top option anymore, something he spoke about on Monday.

LeBron James:

"I'm not looking at my year as a disappointment, that's for damn sure. I was put into some positions that I've never played in my career before -- actually, in my life. I've never been a third option in my life."