LeBron James has more basketball left in him. But when his NBA career comes to an end, what happens then?
The topic of LeBron James‘ future is already dominating discussion ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
The 40-year-old has only one year remaining on his LA Lakers contract. The franchise face a dilemma, reluctant to offer him a big future deal to extend, in case it costs them a chance to sign a younger superstar in 2026 or 2027.
He has been urged to move to the Eastern Conference to stand a better chance of winning one more championship. But his future in the NBA is unclear.
LeBron James was recently pictured with Maverick Carter, amid speculation they could partner up to create a new overseas basketball league, the LA Times reported.
The founder of an existing different league has also opened the door for LeBron James to come and join him, if he wants to give something back to the sport.
Rapper Ice Cube is behind the Big3 league, the 3×3 half court basketball league now in its eighth season, with LeBron’s former teammate Dwight Howard the latest big name addition.
During an interview with Lakers Nation, Ice Cube said he would not chase LeBron James, but if the superstar wanted to increase the profile of the league with his presence, he would love to have him.
He explained: “I mean, I would love to. At this point. I don’t know if we have to go after anybody. It’s really they know we here, it’s a great opportunity to have a spotlight on you in the summer.
A lot of the noise is elsewhere and not on basketball. So it’s a great way to keep your brand going. He don’t need help with that, he may still want the competition, have some fun and help basketball.
“At the end of the day, it would be all eyes on him, and the league would grow, and he would help players that really do need the Big3.”
LeBron James’ full focus for now is on the 2025-26 season, where the LA Lakers feel they have a legitimate shot to compete for a championship.
That will be tough in a loaded Western Conference, but with a freshly energized Luka Doncic alongside him and new signings DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart, this group has the potential to make a splash.
Beyond that, 2026 could go in lots of different directions, and playing in the Big3 does not feel like a legitimate option in the immediate future.
One day? Perhaps. And as Ice Cube points out, the Big3 would be the big winners from LeBron’s presence, along with his fellow former NBA stars, who would benefit from his presence and attention.
If he does want to give something back, it could be an enjoyable experience for him.
