As the Los Angeles Lakers opened training camp for the 2025–26 season, LeBron James once again stood at the centre of attention.

At 40 years old, the NBA's all-time leading scorer is preparing for his record-setting 23rd season and shutting down speculation about what comes next.

Waiting on Bryce?

James made history last year by sharing the court with his eldest son, Bronny, marking the first father-son duo to appear in an NBA game.

Naturally, talk quickly turned to whether he would hold off retirement to potentially team up with his youngest son, Bryce, who is beginning his freshman season at the University of Arizona.

But James made it clear at media day that his career decisions will not hinge on Bryce's progress toward the pros.

“I'm not waiting on Bryce,” James said with a smile.

“He's his own young man now.... He has his own timeline, I've got my timeline, and I don't know if they quite match up.”

For James, the possibility of playing with both sons is a storyline, not a priority. His focus remains on the Lakers' immediate goals.

Locked in on year 23

While the milestone of becoming the first player in NBA history to reach a 23rd season will add to his unmatched resume, James isn't treating it as a farewell tour.

Instead, he's invested in building chemistry with Luka Doncic, acquired in last season's blockbuster trade, and integrating newcomers such as Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart.

James is coming off another strong year, averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds, and earning an All-NBA nod for the 21st consecutive season.

Despite those numbers, the Lakers' campaign ended in disappointment with a first-round exit to Minnesota.

James responded by exercising his $52.6 million option, signalling that he expects the Lakers to contend now, not just develop for the future.

Legacy still in motion

James' career has been defined by four championships, countless records, and nearly two decades as one of the NBA's most dominant players.

Yet his mindset at this stage is simple: contribute at a high level, push for another title, and savour the journey.

The question of how long he'll keep going hovers over every season, but James isn't offering timelines or guarantees.

His 23rd year begins with clarity on one point. His career will end on his terms, not according to the calendars of teammates, sons, or anyone else.