How Savannah James really feels about husband LeBron's NBA future

LeBron James will play at least one more season in the NBA, but his wife Savannah is apparently hopeful that he's nearing the end of his legendary career.

James opted into his $52.6million option for 2025-26 this week, as the 40-year-old Lakers star gears up for his 23rd season in the NBA.

But as the four-time MVP was recently dining in New York City, he was overheard discussing how Savannah wants him to 'f***ing retire in the next year or so.'

The admission was heard in the background of a clip recorded by Instagram user @smallzthevillain, who documented his experience dining with James, Savannah, Kevin Love and more at Manhattan Omakase spot FlyFish Club.

James could also be heard saying he 'ain't mad looking at New York,' which fans have interpreted as him viewing the Knicks as a potential trade destination.

The comments come as James' agent, Rich Paul gave a somewhat cryptic statement to ESPN, saying his client 'values a realistic chance of winning it all.'

'LeBron wants to compete for a championship,' Paul told ESPN. 'He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with [controlling owner] Jeanie [Buss] and [GM] Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

'We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him.'

The report from ESPN's Shams Charania also said that James would be 'closely monitoring' the Lakers' roster moves this offseason.

Nonetheless, reporter Chris Haynes added afterwards that he was told by Paul that there had been no trade discussions involving James.

The Lakers finished third in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record following their blockbuster acquisition of Luka Doncic at the trade deadline.

However, they lacked size inside without Anthony Davis (who went the other way in the trade to Dallas), and were ultimately outclassed by the Timberwolves in a five-game, first-round playoff defeat.

James still averaged a healthy 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists in the series but struggled at times on the defensive end.

By activating his option, James has now earned an astonishing $581.3million since being drafted into the league back in 2003, according to Spotrac.

Last year, he also achieved his dream of being teammates with his son Bronny, who was selected by the Lakers as a second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Bronny appeared in 27 games but is considered a developmental prospect as he split his time between the Lakers and their G-league affiliate.