Few players have ever been as successful at facilitating the growth of the NBA as Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James. Immensely popular and globally recognized, James has been a face of the Association for longer than some NBA players have been alive.
Soon to be 41 years of age, however, James appears to be thinking about life after the NBA—including a potential continuation of his career in a different league.
James is currently preparing for his record-setting 23rd season in the Association. He continues to perform at a high level, earning All-NBA Second Team honors in 2024-25 after averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds on a 50-win Lakers team.
Brian Windhorst of ESPN recently discussed his extraordinary longevity and mentioned the rumor that James could continue his playing career outside of the NBA.
"I keep hearing people like this might be the last year. This might be the last year. Look, he's been linked to potentially playing in other leagues. I don't know. Maybe. But if he stays healthy, I do not see LeBron James slowing down."
It's certainly not a confirmation of James' intent to play elsewhere, but it's also not a definitive disproval of what's become a growing possibility.
LeBron James could potentially play in a different league
James certainly wouldn't be the first Hall of Famer to play in a league other than the NBA. Doing so while still performing at an All-NBA level, however, would undoubtedly take many by surprise, particularly if the Lakers return to the playoffs in 2025-26.
James' history as a global ambassador has permitted him unique access to foreign markets, however, and could make a decision to play elsewhere a landscape-altering decision.
It's worth noting that NBA commissioner Adam Silver has openly discussed the Association's plans to develop a new league in Europe. It's been generally unclear, however, when that may materialize, as well as what type of impact it would have on European basketball's existing infrastructure.
It appears as though the league could be launched in 2027, however, making it entirely possible that James could be targeted as the face of the Association's international endeavor.
New British league states that #NBAEurope will start in 2027, having teams in London and Manchesterhttps://t.co/1gMZOh0cWR
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) September 16, 2025
For what it's worth: James holds an ownership stake in English Premier League football club Liverpool F.C.
That's mere speculation at this stage, as James has yet to announce any formal intention to play abroad. If he does, in fact, sign on to compete overseas, then a European extension of the NBA certainly wouldn't be his only option.
Spain's Liga ACB, for instance, is widely regarded as the best basketball league in the world after the NBA, and one could easily envision a scenario in which clubs line up for the chance to sign James.
Regardless of what comes next, James has already made a habit out of charting courses previously unexplored. He's the first player in NBA history to score 40,000 career points, and is soon to set a new record of 23 seasons played.
Whether he continues playing in the NBA, looks elsewhere, or embraces retirement, James' legendary career will not soon be forgotten.