LeBron James Picks Up Player Option, Eyes Lakers’ Next Move

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is picking up his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, agent Rich Paul told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Sunday. But don’t mistake that for blind loyalty.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul said. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

“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. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”

Translation: Thanks for everything, L.A., but the clock is ticking.

James, 40, continues to defy time and logic. This past season, he earned second-team All-NBA honors and averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 70 games. He made his 21st straight All-Star appearance, but things unraveled in the playoffs, as the Lakers were bounced in the first round by the Timberwolves.

James suffered a sprained MCL in the final game, though he recently said the injury is healing and he expects to be ready for training camp.

Opting in marks a shift in strategy for James, who typically prefers deals that include a player option on the back end. He will now become a free agent in 2026 and is set to break the NBA record by playing a 23rd season. That said, his future beyond this year remains uncertain. A report Saturday noted that James has considered retirement every summer since 2023.

Picking up the option instead of signing a new deal also means James remains trade-eligible this offseason. He is one of only two NBA players with a formal no-trade clause.

Among the items on James’ watch list is what the Lakers do at center. They were thin at the position after trading Anthony Davis to Dallas for Luka Doncic, and often played without a true big man in the postseason.

If Dorian Finney-Smith returns by exercising his player option, the Lakers will likely be limited to the $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception in free agency. If he opts out or if the Lakers clear salary elsewhere, they could open up access to the $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception.

For now, James is on board. But he’s watching, and he wants to win.