"He is still a Top 30 player" - Reggie Miller explains why he doesn't believe this is LeBron James' last season

LeBron James continues to put up impressive numbers for the Los Angeles Lakers despite turning 41 years old. James is averaging 27.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in five games played so far this month.

Because of that, Hall of Famer Reggie Miller says he does not believe that Bron is retiring at the end of the season. While he may no longer be quick and athletic as he was 10 years ago, the old LeBron still has more than enough to play at a high level.

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"He's not the same LeBron that we've seen four years ago, eight years ago, ten years ago. I g et that. But he is still a Top 30 player, perhaps, and he can still help your team win. He's just not the unquestioned number one or maybe number two on that team if Austin Reaves is healthy,"said Miller during his recent appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show."

Reggie thinks Bron wants a shot at a fifth ring

Many wonder if this season will be LeBron's last, after he missed the first month of the season due to a chronic sciatica injury. And when he came back, James scored over 20 points only once in his first six games.

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That included a game where his 18-year 10-point streak ended. However, as the season has progressed and Austin Reaves has been out with an injury, LeBron's numbers have steadily gone up. Now he is averaging 22.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game for the season.

Those may no longer be prime LeBron numbers and career lows for "King James." However, when you stack it up against players around the league, Miller says it's still good enough to rank him among the league's elites, and more than enough for him to be a key contributor on a championship team.

"I think he wants to have an opportunity, a shot at competing at one more championship," added Miller. "Is this Lakers team built for that? Time will tell us that. I think defensively, they're not quite there yet. And I think LeBron just wants another shot, another opportunity to play for that ring. But the way they are built, it's going to be very difficult in the Western Conference." 

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Miller thinks Cleveland makes sense for LeBron

However, due to the Lakers' current dynamics and the fact that he has no contract with them beyond this season, many are speculating that this may be James' last year with the Lakers and that he may have to chase that last ring elsewhere.

However, Miller says that it's hard to uproot LBJ in Tinseltown because he is firmly planted in L.A., both on and off the court. However, he does not think it's impossible.

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"I just can't see him leaving the Lakers." he added. "Unless maybe one of his old teams comes calling, like the Cavaliers, saying, 'Look, we have all this talent here. We just don't have a guy who knows how to assemble a locker room and get these guys to play the right way.'"

"Could I see LeBron going home to Cleveland to play with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley? I don't know…possibly. But that wouldn't be a bad team to go back and try to win another championship with," he continued.

It's unclear, though, if the Cavaliers are interested in bringing back their prodigal son. However, because he has an expiring $52 million contract and the Cavs are struggling right now, who knows what will happen. And if the Mavs traded Luka last season, nothing is impossible in today's league.

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This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jan 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.