As the 2025-26 NBA season enters its second half, LeBron James points out that the LA Lakers’ championship hopes hinge on staying healthy.
For LeBron James, the future—up to this point—remains uncertain.
Speaking during the 2026 NBA All-Star weekend in Los Angeles, the Lakers superstar admitted he does not yet know if he will play beyond his record-setting 23rd NBA season.
“Yeah, I want to live. When I know, you guys know. I don’t know. I have no idea. I just want to live, that’s all,” James told reporters.
James is set to become a free agent later this year, fueling speculation about whether he will return to the Lakers, join another team, or retire.
Even with questions looming about his career, the 41-year-old remains fully committed to the Lakers’ championship pursuit.
“This is beginning toward the post-season, so it has nothing to do with that. Same motivation, same mind factor. We’ve got past the marathon and now the sprint is about to start,” he said.
Through 33 games this season, James has been as impactful as ever, averaging 22.0 points, 7.1 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game.
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But he knows the Lakers’ playoff success will hinge on health — both his own and that of the roster — after he battled sciatica earlier in the season and the team dealt with other injuries.
“Our success is going to come down to, obviously, our health, our coaching staff putting us in the right position,” James said.
He added: “We have to actually go out and see it. We haven’t been able to have many opportunities this year.”
James has also been selected to a record-extending 22nd straight All-Star game, despite ending his 21-game streak as a starter.
He teamed up with veterans Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard for Team USA Stripes in the midseason showcase, falling to the USA Stars in the championship game.
Off the court, James is already thinking about life after basketball.
Ownership of an NBA team is on the table, along with other ventures that could fuel his post-playing career.
“There’s a lot of things that I have on the table that I can tap into if I would like to, that being one of them. But right now, I’m still locked in on what’s going on right now,” the four-time champion said.
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After the All-Star break, the Lakers (33-21) will return to action Saturday, February 21, in the latest “Battle of L.A.” against Leonard and the Clippers.
Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.