Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

LeBron James' Future With the Lakers Gets Surprising Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gautam Varier | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 12:37 PM ET

LeBron James once again managed to impress on the court during the 2024-25 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks per game in his 22nd season in the NBA.

James was rewarded for his efforts with a spot on the All-NBA Second Team. It was the 40-year-old's 21st All-NBA selection, and no other player has more than 15 of them.

James' season ended in disappointing fashion, though, as the Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the Lakers in five games in the first round of the playoffs. It was a second-straight first-round exit for him and the team.

Despite recent failures, James is not expected to leave the Lakers. NBA insider Shams Charania reported that he is likely to pick up his $52.6 million player option for 2025-26.

That seemed to be the widespread belief, but ClutchPoints' Anthony Irwin reports that it is not a foregone conclusion.

"Most echo Charania's reporting that James intends to opt in, but some sources close to the Lakers say they anticipate James opting out and signing another two-year deal worth near the max with a player option for the second season and another full no-trade clause."

Irwin did make it clear that James picking up the option remains the likeliest outcome as of now. It's just not a given that he will do it.

"James opting in is still considered by most to be the leader in the clubhouse, but the field is catching up, and it does feel like James opting out with the intent to sign another 1+1 deal is a scenario people should be taking more seriously."

If James does opt out, he is expected to want a similar kind of deal to the one he signed in 2024. The Lakers gave him a two-year, $104 million contract last year with a no-trade clause and a player-option for the second year.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: