LeBron opts in for $52.6M, watching L.A. moves

LeBron James has exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season, according to Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul. James, the NBA's career scoring leader, aims to compete for championships and will closely evaluate the Lakers' offseason moves to determine if they can build a title-contending roster. Paul emphasized James' desire for a realistic championship opportunity while acknowledging the Lakers' dual focus on winning now and future planning, stating they will assess what's best for James at this career stage.

Entering his record 23rd NBA season at age 40, James remains uncertain about his playing future beyond this year. He holds a no-trade clause and needs 50 games to break Robert Parish's career regular-season games record. A recent dinner conversation snippet shared on social media suggested James' wife wants him to retire soon, adding uncertainty about a potential 24th season.

Despite previously expressing commitment to the Lakers – including after Golden State's rejected trade inquiry in February 2024 and following the drafting of his son Bronny James in 2024 – James' long-term future with the team remains unclear. The Lakers signed James to a two-year, $104 million extension in July 2024 after drafting Bronny, creating the NBA's first father-son duo.

James, a four-time NBA champion and MVP, recently returned to on-court activities after suffering a sprained MCL during the Lakers' first-round playoff loss to Minnesota. In that series, he averaged 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. Following the elimination, James openly expressed disappointment about missing another championship opportunity.

Last season, James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds, ending his 20-year streak of averaging 25+ points. However, from December 30 onward, he joined Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić as the only players averaging 25+ points, 7+ rebounds, and 7+ assists.