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LeBron James ‘likely’ to return to Lakers on massive player option

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives
By Stephen M. Smith | Last updated May 28, 2025 11:37 AM ET

He is still arguably the most dominant force in the National Basketball Association after 22 years.

LeBron James, 40, averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game this season.

He guided the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Playoffs, where the Minnesota Timberwolves bounced it out in the first round. James got the opportunity to play with his oldest son, “Bronny James,” but does he hold out for Bryce James to enter the league too.

It is very possible, especially with the news coming from ESPN’s Shams Charania. James is ‘likely’ to return to the Lakers for next season, per Charania.

He has a massive player option of $52.6 million he’s expected to opt-in for.

“I’m told LeBron James is likely to opt in..

He’s got a massive player option and that’s the plan..

He still has about a month to figure that out”@ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/8mzUsMCU9r

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 27, 2025

LeBron James is reportedly “likely” to opt into his $52.6 million player option with the Lakers, per Shams Charania on the @PatMcAfeeShow.

He has until June 29 to decide whether to opt in or opt out. pic.twitter.com/FqAHWVo9zL

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 27, 2025

James has until June 29 to make his decision, but he wants to see how the team is constructed. Los Angeles is focused on adding a center this offseason to take pressure off James and Luka Doncic.

The Lakers are a marquee presence in the paint away from really being competitive in the Western Conference. If James sees that L.A. is serious about wanting him to get his fifth NBA Championship, then he will stick around. We will see if he decides to opt-in and remain with the Lakers.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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