LOS ANGELES — At 41, LeBron James continues to defy age and expectations, delivering vintage performances for the injury-depleted Los Angeles Lakers as the 2025-26 NBA regular season winds down and the 2026 playoffs approach. Yet with free agency on the horizon this summer, the four-time champion’s future remains the biggest storyline surrounding the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.

James posted a 26-point, 11-assist, eight-rebound double-double in a road win over the Golden State Warriors on April 9, showcasing the all-around dominance that has defined his record 23rd season. Just days later, he scored 18 points in only 17 minutes during what appeared to be the final regular-season home game, fueling excitement for the postseason while managing minor foot issues that kept him questionable in recent matchups.

The Lakers, bolstered by the midseason acquisition of Luka Doncic, have navigated significant injuries to key players including Austin Reaves and others. James has shouldered a heavier load at times, stepping up as the primary option and helping keep Los Angeles in playoff contention in the Western Conference. On his “Mind the Game” podcast, James expressed genuine enthusiasm for the upcoming playoffs, calling the postseason “lit” and noting he does not know how many more he has left.

Father-son highlights with rookie Bronny James have added emotional depth to the campaign. The pair have shared the court multiple times, producing memorable moments including assists and joint plays that underscore one of the most unique stories in league history. Bronny, selected in the second round of the 2024 draft, has seen limited but growing minutes, often flashing defensive potential and occasional scoring bursts off the bench.

Despite the on-court resilience, James’ long-term status with the Lakers is uncertain. He exercised his player option for the 2025-26 season last summer, but he enters unrestricted free agency this offseason. NBA insiders report a growing consensus that James may not return to Los Angeles for a potential 24th season, with speculation centering on a possible homecoming to the Cleveland Cavaliers or a high-profile move to the Golden State Warriors to team with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in pursuit of another title.

Cleveland, where James won his first championship and built his legacy, remains a sentimental favorite for many. The Cavaliers have emerged as a strong Eastern Conference contender, and a reunion could provide a narrative-rich final chapter. Meanwhile, Golden State offers the chance to close his career alongside one of the greatest shooters ever, potentially forming a superteam dynamic in the twilight of both stars’ careers. Some reports suggest the Lakers would welcome James back if he chooses to stay, with team president Rob Pelinka expressing a desire for him to retire as a Laker.

James has been characteristically coy about his plans, focusing publicly on the present. He has not ruled out retirement but has given no indication he is ready to walk away while still performing at an elite level. His per-game averages this season hover around 20-22 points, seven assists and six rebounds — remarkable production for any player, let alone one in his 40s. He continues to lead fast-break points and impact games with his basketball IQ and passing vision.

The 2025-26 season started with challenges for James. He missed the opener and several early games due to sciatica, marking the first time in his career he sat out opening night. Load management and foot/knee concerns have limited him at times, ending his streak for certain individual awards earlier in the year. Yet he has adapted, conserving energy for critical stretches and the playoffs.

Lakers fans and analysts have debated whether James has “played his way back” into the franchise’s long-term plans. A late-season turnaround, driven partly by his leadership amid injuries, has shifted some earlier assumptions that his Lakers tenure might end this year. The addition of Doncic has injected new dynamism, creating intriguing offensive possibilities if the core stays intact.

Off the court, James maintains his vast business empire and philanthropic efforts through the LeBron James Family Foundation. His influence extends far beyond basketball, with continued involvement in media projects and social initiatives. Family remains central; sharing the court with Bronny has been a highlight he has openly cherished.

As the regular season concludes, the Lakers prepare for a tough playoff path in a competitive Western Conference. James has emphasized that the postseason resets everything, regardless of regular-season results. His experience — 10 NBA Finals appearances and four rings — positions him as a steadying force for a younger supporting cast.

Speculation about his destination has intensified in recent weeks. ESPN and other outlets have detailed factors James will weigh: proximity to family in Ohio, competitive contention windows, coaching stability and lifestyle preferences in Los Angeles versus other markets. Rich Paul of Klutch Sports continues to represent him in what could be one of the most anticipated free-agency decisions in years.

Dwight Howard, a former Lakers teammate and Hall of Famer, publicly encouraged James to consider Cleveland for a fitting end to his career. Other voices in the league predict at least one more season, with tremendous interest from multiple teams should he hit the market.

James’ longevity stands as one of sports’ greatest achievements. Drafted first overall in 2003 straight out of high school, he has evolved from a prodigy to a global icon while maintaining elite athleticism and skill. His ability to adapt — shifting from slasher to facilitator to stretch forward — has prolonged his prime far beyond conventional expectations.

For the Lakers, retaining or replacing James carries franchise-altering implications. The organization has signaled commitment to building around its stars, but salary-cap realities and roster construction will influence any decisions. If James departs, Los Angeles would pivot toward a Doncic-centric future with younger pieces.

Playoff excitement is palpable. James has spoken about the unique intensity of the postseason and his eagerness to compete. Even as questions swirl about his future, his focus remains on helping the Lakers advance as far as possible in 2026.

Bronny’s development adds another layer. The father-son duo has created historic moments, from shared minutes to on-court connections. Their partnership symbolizes generational passing in the NBA, even as debates persist about Bronny’s path and opportunities.

As April 2026 progresses, all eyes remain on James. Will he chase one more ring in a new uniform, return to his roots in Cleveland, or conclude his Lakers chapter with a deep playoff run? The King has yet to tip his hand, but his continued excellence ensures the conversation will dominate the NBA landscape through the summer.

Whatever path he chooses, LeBron James’ impact on the game — and the memories he continues to create — cements his status as one of basketball’s all-time greats. The 2026 playoffs offer another stage for his enduring legacy, with free agency promising a dramatic next chapter in an already cinematic career.

After hitting a 52-week high of around Rs 74 apiece in May last year, the renewable energy stock plunged nearly 49% over the next 10 months to a 52-week low of Rs 38.19. However, bulls have since regained control, driving a sharp rebound in recent sessions.

April saw markets rebound sharply following the incessant selloff in March, amid rising hopes for peace talks and a ceasefire between Iran and the US in the Middle East, which had triggered a skyrocketing rally in oil prices and made analysts worry over the possible impact on India’s macroeconomics.

Suzlon Energy shares rode on the overall bullish sentiment. After hitting the record low level at the end of March, the stock rallied nearly 27% to hit today’s intraday high of more than Rs 48 apiece.

Market value swells by Rs 13,900 crore in April

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The strong surge in the share price led to strong gains in Suzlon Energy’s market value. The total market capitalisation of the company soared by more than Rs 13,900 crore in April so far to nearly Rs 66,270 crore today.
The stock has rallied nearly 500% in three years, and more than 1,000% in five years. For context, the stock had hit an all-time low of Rs 1.70 apiece during the infamous COVID crash of March 2020. The stock has so far rallied a whopping 2,700% since then.

FIIs increase stake in Suzlon Energy

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) quietly increased their exposure to Suzlon Energy in the March quarter, even as they overall remained strong net sellers of Indian equities during the same period. FIIs raised their stake in the renewable energy company by about 1.68 crore shares sequentially. Their holding stood at 3.07 crore shares, or 22.42%, at the end of the March quarter, compared with 3.06 crore shares, or 22.34%, in the December quarter.

Operationally, Suzlon has delivered decent numbers in the recent past. The company reported a 15% year-on-year (YoY) rise in consolidated profit to Rs 445 crore in the December quarter, while revenue jumped 42% YoY to Rs 4,228 crore, reflecting robust execution and order conversion.

With India accelerating its renewable energy push, particularly in wind capacity addition, Suzlon remains well placed to benefit from sector tailwinds. The recent FII buying, despite broader market selling, suggests institutional investors may be positioning for that next phase of growth.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

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7-Eleven is planning to close hundreds of stores across North America this year as the convenience store giant trims its footprint following recent declines in the region.

Parent company Seven & i Holdings said in a recent filing that 645 7-Eleven locations are slated to close during its 2026 fiscal year, which began in March. The closures include some stores that will be converted into wholesale fuel sites rather than traditional convenience locations.

Despite the pullback, the company is still pursuing selective expansion. Seven & i expects to open about 205 new 7-Eleven stores during the same period, partially offsetting the closures.

7-ELEVEN PUTS ‘FOCUS ON FOOD’ IN US REVAMP WITH JAPANESE-INSPIRED MEALS AND UPGRADES

A man at a self-serve frozen drink machine with rotating flavors inside 7-Eleven convenience store, Miami, Florida. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The net effect is a smaller overall footprint. Company projections show the number of 7-Eleven convenience stores in North America declining to about 12,272 locations by the end of the fiscal year, down from more than 13,000 stores in 2024.

The company’s North American business has faced softer performance in recent periods, including declines in customer traffic, according to company data.

7-ELEVEN SHUTTING DOWN NEARLY 450 UNDERPERFORMING STORES ACROSS NORTH AMERICA

7-Eleven plans to close more than 600 locations in North America in its 2026 fiscal year. (Getty Images)

The planned closures come as Seven & i looks to streamline operations and optimize its store portfolio.

PAPA JOHN’S TO CLOSE HUNDREDS OF RESTAURANTS

Seven & i did not disclose which specific locations will be affected by the closures.

The planned closures come as Seven & i looks to streamline operations and optimize its store portfolio. (Getty Images)

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The moves reflect a broader push to focus on core convenience store operations while balancing closures with targeted expansion.

Trading activity remained strong, with around 16.12 lakh MCX shares changing hands, translating into a turnover of nearly Rs 460 crore. The rally comes amid a broad-based surge across commodities, lifting trading activity on the exchange. MCX typically benefits when commodity prices move higher as well as during periods of volatility, as both factors tend to drive higher trading volumes.

A rise in prices across key segments such as bullion, energy and base metals encourages greater participation from traders and hedgers, boosting transaction volumes. Since the exchange earns a significant portion of its revenue from transaction fees, higher volumes translate directly into improved earnings visibility.

MCX Q3 snapshot

The company reported a sharp rise in earnings for the quarter ended December 31, 2026, with consolidated net profit surging 151% year-on-year to Rs 401 crore from Rs 160 crore in the same period last year. The profit after tax is attributable to the owners of the company.
Revenue from operations also saw strong growth, rising 121% YoY to Rs 666 crore in Q3FY26 from Rs 301 crore a year earlier.

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On a sequential basis, performance remained robust. Net profit jumped 103% from Rs 197 crore, while revenue increased 78% from Rs 374 crore in the previous quarter. Operating performance strengthened significantly during the quarter, with EBITDA climbing 144% to Rs 527 crore.
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Business activity also picked up sharply. Average daily turnover of futures and options rose 224% YoY to Rs 7,50,136 crore from Rs 2,31,821 crore. The bullion segment continued to dominate, with its share in ADT increasing to 69% on a quarter-on-quarter basis, supported by the launch of new contracts such as Gold Mini and Gold Ten futures.MCX shares are up 30% since the beginning of the year.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)