LeBron James admits this season might be the last of a long NBA career, after an emotional return with the Los Angeles Lakers to face the Cleveland Cavaliers,
where a 129-99 defeat and a subdued performance raised further questions about how much longer James plans to stay on court.
The four-time NBA champion finishes the night with 11 points, hitting only 3-of-10 field goals, and fails to reach the 20-point mark in Cleveland for the first time in 13 visits as a rival player, during what becomes James’ heaviest defeat at Rocket Arena as a visiting star.
James is 41 years old and the trip back to face the Cavaliers clearly affects emotions, as video highlights during a first-quarter timeout show the 48-point display against the Detroit Pistons in Game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference finals, triggering tears while the crowd watches the tribute.
Final pic.twitter.com/pbQmtCwVkWLos Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 29, 2026
I'm just trying to take everything in, not take the moments for granted, James said. Because it could be [my last season]. I obviously haven't made a decision on the future, but it very well could be. I think it just comes from just being present. I was just more present today than I've been [in past trips to Cleveland]. [It] definitely got to me a little bit, for sure. Obviously, the question gets asked more, and the thought creeps in my mind more at 41 years old of when the end is, and where's the finish line for us to hang this thing up. But the drive is how muchjuice I can squeeze out of this orange.I'm in a battle with Father Time, and I'm taking it personally.
The reflections underline how James views each appearance in Cleveland differently at this stage, with the possibility of retirement shaping many thoughts about the future, even as James continues to compete for the Lakers and talks about testing limits against age and physical decline.
Lakers coach JJ Redick notices the impact of the occasion and comments on James’ response to the night, saying, "I think there's certainly emotions always for him coming back here," before adding, "You could see that being back here is very important to him. And you know, there's a human element to all of this. "
James leaves Cleveland with an uncertain timeline for a decision on the next step, stressing presence over long-term planning, while the heavy loss, the modest stat line, and the powerful memories from 2007 together frame a visit that may gain extra meaning if this campaign becomes the final NBA season.
