Usage Rate at 25%! Farewell, LeBron James? Officially Passing the Torch in L.A.

Recent reports from NBA insider Shams Charania have sparked a wave of speculation: the 2025-26 season could be LeBron James' last in the league. For fans and analysts alike, the idea seems almost absurd given the level of dominance the 39-year-old is still displaying.

So far this season, James has been nothing short of spectacular. Playing in all games for the Lakers, he’s averaging 35 minutes on the court, posting 24.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 9.4 assists per game. His efficiency remains elite, shooting 52.4% from the field and an eye-popping 45.9% from three-point range—a career-high. His assist numbers are the second-highest of his storied career.

However, what’s striking is James’ reduced usage rate. At 24.8%, he ranks just 60th in the league, while teammate Anthony Davis leads the Lakers with a 31.2% usage rate, good for 7th in the NBA. This clear shift signals a strategic passing of the torch, with head coach J.J. Redick seemingly building the team more around Davis than James.

If the Lakers prioritized running the offense through LeBron, there’s little doubt his numbers would skyrocket. His assists would likely hit double digits, and his scoring would climb, yet this deliberate approach highlights his willingness to adapt and take on a secondary role. Despite being nearly 40, James remains one of the league’s most dominant players, making the notion of retirement hard to fathom unless it’s entirely on his terms.

Eyeing the Future: LeBron’s Next Chapter

For years, James has expressed his desire to share the NBA stage with his son, Bronny James. That dream is now a reality, but questions linger about whether he has an even greater aspiration: playing alongside his younger son, Bryce James.

When asked about this possibility, LeBron didn’t rule it out, coyly stating that it would depend on his mental and physical state. Bryce, now 17, is expected to be eligible for the NBA draft in 2026. While not yet the sensation his father and brother are, Bryce has shown promise, earning a four-star recruit rating from scouting service ON3 and ranking 100th in the Class of 2025.

LeBron’s physical longevity has always been remarkable, and if his current performance is any indication, playing until 2026 might not be a stretch. His ability to sustain such a high level of play suggests that the decision to retire will come from his personal goals rather than a decline in ability.

Legacy Moves: From Player to Owner?

If LeBron does retire soon, the question of what comes next looms large. Recent reports suggest that he has ambitions to own an NBA team, with Las Vegas and Boston being potential destinations.

While the NBA’s expansion plans for Las Vegas are still unclear, James has expressed interest in bringing a team to the city. However, the more immediate opportunity might be purchasing the Boston Celtics. This summer, Celtics majority owner Wyc Grousbeck announced plans to sell the franchise, with a target completion date of 2028.

James would join the likes of Michael Jordan and other former players who transitioned to ownership roles. However, history has shown that a great player doesn’t always make for a great owner. Jordan, for example, sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets last year for $3 billion, retaining only a minor share after years of lackluster team performance.

Whether James can translate his on-court brilliance to success as an owner remains to be seen, but his business acumen and influence in the sport are undeniable.

The Lakers’ New Era

The current Lakers lineup underscores a shift in leadership dynamics. Anthony Davis has clearly assumed the role of the team’s focal point. Davis’ 31.2% usage rate is a testament to this, placing him among the league’s elite offensive engines. Meanwhile, LeBron has embraced a more facilitating role, focusing on creating opportunities for his teammates.

Despite this, James remains the Lakers’ emotional and tactical leader. His decision-making, court vision, and ability to dictate the pace of the game continue to set him apart. The advanced metrics back this up: when LeBron is on the court, the Lakers are significantly more efficient on both ends.

A Potential Farewell Tour

If Shams’ report proves accurate, the 2025-26 season could double as a farewell tour for LeBron James. For a player who has been the face of the NBA for two decades, such a season would undoubtedly be one of the most celebrated in league history.

While the idea of James retiring seems surreal, it’s clear that he is thinking about his legacy and his life beyond basketball. Whether that includes playing with Bryce, owning a team, or pursuing other ventures, one thing is certain: LeBron James will leave the game on his terms, ensuring that his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time remains untarnished.