NBA superstar LeBron James is expected to return for the 2025-26 season, but it may not be with the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron James suffered a left knee injury after colliding with the Minnesota Timberwolves' Donte Dincenzo during the Los Angeles Lakers' season-ending Game 5 loss on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. The injury is a Grade 2 MCL sprain with an anticipated recovery time of between three and five weeks, per McMenamin.

Many have assumed that James would want to end his career on the Lakers given that the team drafted his son Bronny last year. James may also be keeping a seat warm for his second son, Bryce, who will begin his collegiate career at Arizona in the fall.