Rob Pelinka Leaves Decision to LeBron James and Family Over Decision to Retire as Laker

Lakers GM did not mince his words about his superstar LeBron James' retirement plans with the decorated franchise.

Rob Pelinka Leaves Decision to LeBron James and Family Over Decision to Retire as Laker

LeBron James (Image by FirstSportz)

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LeBron James and his tenure as a Los Angeles Lakers has gone beyond the 7 year mark. A few weeks ago, there were reports that the NBA superstar would call it quits on a glorious NBA career. However, it was James himself who put all those rumors to bed and revealed that he was not retiring via his social media account.

James, as per various reports, is set to play for another year, making it 8 years in Los Angeles. For the Lakers and the former MVP, this upcoming 2025-26 NBA season could be the final attempt to win another title together. Notably, the Lakers’ GM, Rob Pelinka, had made an interesting revelation regarding James’ future and retirement plans with the Lakers in his recent press conference.

All the interactions we’ve had with LeBron and his camp Rich in particular have been positive and supportive. We want to respect his ability to come up with his timetable. If he had a chance to retire a Laker that would be great

Rob Pelinka said

Initially, this press conference was basically held for Luka Doncic‘s contract extension announcement. But with James’ popularity, it was given that the reporters would ask Pelinka a question or two about the four-time champion’s future. The Lakers’ GM did not hide his feelings and made his views clear on this matter.

Pelinka claimed that the decision is completely up to James and his family, along with his agent Rich Paul. Also, the NBA legend has earned the right to make and call the decisions of his own regarding his future. Interestingly, many teams are still interested in acquiring James’ signature as the trade market unfolds in the coming days, but it still seems like no such move will happen.

It did looks like the former MVP would leave the Lakers this year, but with the recent developments and the team’s activity in the trade market, James may rather choose to stay than leave. So, going forward, how James and his family deal with this matter and make an announcement will probably catch the fans by surprise.

Savannah James once made her intentions clear regarding LeBron James’ retirement from basketball

If there’s one voice in LeBron James’ life urging him to step away from the game, it’s not a coach, a critic, or even a fan—it’s his own wife, Savannah James. Her desire for LeBron to walk away from the hardwood has become increasingly clear.

Just a month ago, the James family, accompanied by his former teammate Kevin Love and his partner, went to dine in New York. During that visit, a viral video surfaced, capturing a candid exchange between LeBron and Savannah.

Those words weren’t just casual banter, according to the fan base. They revealed something deeper that seems important for Savannah James. Yet, despite this heartfelt desire, James recently announced his intention to return for at least one more season with the Lakers. It’s a decision that pushes the finish line further into the unknown—and raises real questions about whether the 2025–2026 season will be his last.

LeBron James’ agent Rich Paul drops the hammer on his no-trade clause

Concerning what’s to come with the Lakers this season, LeBron James has been on and off the trade market for months. While some sources indicate that James is expected to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers for at least this season, other times, it appears as though he is opting out.

LeBron James
LeBron James (Credits: MARCA)

Rich Paul, James’ agent, clarified the situation by speaking logically and revealing a startling truth about the trade rumors that have been going around lately.

The man has a no-trade clause. End of story. He has a no-trade clause. It’s up to him. He has a no-trade clause. So in the event when a player has a no-trade clause and a team wants to trade that player, that player can say no. That’s in his contract.

Rich Paul said on the TylilShow Live

James and Damian Lillard are the only two NBA players with a no-trade clause. After being so loyal to the Lakers for more than five years, the franchise felt that it was the four-time champion’s right to have this particular clause initiated in his contract. With this, ‘King James’ has the right to veto any agreement or trade deals that is happening involving him.

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