LOS ANGELES — As the NBA season pushes toward the final stretch, all eyes remain on LeBron James. The 41-year-old superstar, currently playing in his record-setting 23rd professional season, continues to dominate headlines regarding both his immediate availability for the Los Angeles Lakers and his looming decision on a potential 24th year in the league.
Injury Update: Will LeBron Play Against the Clippers Tonight?
Lakers fans received a significant boost ahead of Friday night’s crosstown rivalry. According to team officials on February 20, 2026, LeBron James is “good to go” for the matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena. While James has dealt with various maintenance issues throughout the season, he is expected to lead the starting lineup alongside Luka Dončić, who is also slated to return from a mild hamstring strain.
The Retirement Question: “When I Know, You Guys Will Know”
Despite his continued high-level production, speculation regarding James’ retirement has reached a fever pitch. Following the 2026 All-Star Game in Inglewood, James remained non-committal about his future. “I still don’t know whether the ball will keep bouncing for me beyond this season,” James told reporters. He emphasized that no early exit is planned, but he has not yet signed an extension for a 24th season.
The Los Angeles Lakers organization has reportedly made its stance clear, signaling they would “welcome LeBron back” for the 2026-2027 season should he choose to continue his career. Meanwhile, rumors of a potential “farewell return” to the Cleveland Cavaliers continue to circulate, fueled by James’ recent praise for the Cavs’ acquisition of James Harden.
Career Milestones and Recent Scrutiny
While James continues to build on his record-breaking career totals—now exceeding 50,000 combined regular season and playoff points—this season marked a rare shift in his accolades. For the first time since his rookie year, James’ 21-season All-NBA streak officially ended, a testament to the league’s evolving talent pool and his own transition into the final phase of his career.
Off the court, James has faced recent scrutiny following the All-Star break. The veteran forward has dealt with public backlash and criticism from media figures regarding his comments on international affairs, specifically concerning Israel. Despite the noise, James has remained focused on the Lakers’ playoff push, recently using his “Mind the Game” podcast to analyze league trades and the evolving competitive landscape.
LeBron James by the Numbers
- Age: 41 (Born December 30, 1984)
- Height/Weight: 6′ 9″, 250 lbs
- NBA Championships: 4 (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)
- Career Points: 50,473+ (Regular season and playoffs combined)
- Current Season: 23rd NBA Season
As the Lakers prepare for tonight’s 10:00 PM ET tip-off against the Clippers, the basketball world remains on high alert. Whether this is the beginning of a final championship run or the start of a long goodbye, LeBron James remains the central figure of the American sporting landscape.