LeBron James makes decision on his contract with Lakers

LeBron James has committed to the Los Angeles Lakers for at least one more season.

James has exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, his agent Rich Paul told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Sunday. Paul said LeBron understands that the Lakers are building toward the future but that 40-year-old wants to make the most of his remaining time in the NBA.

“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career,” Paul said. “He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”

LeBron has not said whether he will retire after next season, but his decision to exercise the contract option rather than signing a new multi-year deal gives him more flexibility.

James has said he only wants to continue playing if he can do so at a high level, and he did not show many signs of slowing down last season. He averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds across 70 regular season games. The Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the opening round of the playoffs.

There had been talk of tension between LeBron and the Lakers front office, but any issues that exist are not serious enough to chase him out of L.A. — at least for now.

The Lakers now have 26-year-old superstar Luka Doncic in the fold, and he and LeBron will now have an opportunity to work together for a full offseason. James’ son Bronny was drafted by the Lakers last year, and his other son Bryce will be eligible for the NBA Draft next year.

James will turn 41 in December. The 2025-26 season will be his 23rd in the NBA. He is 50 games away from surpassing Robert Parrish for the most regular-season games played in a career.