Resolution criteria

This market will resolve to "Yes" if LeBron James announces his retirement from professional basketball before the start of the 2026–2027 NBA regular season. The official announcement must come from LeBron James himself or be confirmed by reputable sources such as the Los Angeles Lakers' official communications or major sports news outlets like ESPN or NBA.com. If no such announcement is made by the commencement of the 2026–2027 NBA regular season, the market will resolve to "No."

Background

LeBron James, born on December 30, 1984, is a professional basketball player currently with the Los Angeles Lakers. As of June 2025, he is 40 years old and has completed his 22nd NBA season. In December 2024, James expressed that while he believes he could continue playing at a high level for another five to seven years, he does not plan to do so. He also indicated a desire to finish his career with the Lakers. (reuters.com) Following the Lakers' elimination in the first round of the 2025 playoffs, James mentioned he would take time to reflect on his future before making a decision about continuing his career. (cadenaser.com)

Considerations

LeBron James has previously stated his ambition to own an NBA team, specifically expressing interest in a potential franchise in Las Vegas. (basketballall.com) This aspiration may influence his retirement timeline, as transitioning to an ownership role could coincide with the league's expansion plans. Additionally, James has expressed a desire to play alongside his son, Bronny James, who was drafted by the Lakers in 2024, making them the first father-son duo in NBA history. (en.wikipedia.org) These factors could impact his decision on when to retire.