LeBron James is not done yet. The arguable GOAT is reportedly leaning toward staying in Los Angeles for at least one more season. The Lakers icon is widely expected to exercise his player option for the 2025-26 season, locking in another chapter with the purple and gold, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. While James has not made an official announcement, signs are pointing to the four-time champion continuing his legendary career in the City of Angels.
Get this: James is sitting on a player option worth around $54 to $57 million as part of his current two-year deal, totaling $104 million. He has until June 29 to finalize his decision, but all signs suggest he will take the secure route and opt in.
“I’m told he’s likely to opt in,” Charania explained. “He’s got a player option, about 54 million, 57 million. He’s got a massive player option. That’s likely. That’s the plan. But, again, his option date is June 29th. So he still has about a month to figure that out. There’s going to be some hard conversations that are going to happen between him, the Lakers, seeing what this team looks like. Because, listen, LeBron James, whether he plays one more season or a few more seasons, he wants to be in a competitive environment.”
This significant decision could allow James and the franchise to recalibrate for one final push or potentially discuss a contract extension based on the player’s option. Either way, year 23 of LeBron’s career is shaping up to be something cinematic. With Los Angeles set to host All-Star weekend in 2026, the timing would be poetic for the NBA’s elder statesman to take his final bow under the bright lights of Hollywood.
“He’s probably going to opt in because the option is so big,” Charania continued. “And that gives you flexibility to figure out do you extend off that number or this is the final year, if this is the last hurrah, essentially. Year 23 for No. 23. They have All-Star weekend in Los Angeles. So, to me, it’s very storybook if that’s the way it goes. But that’s a decision that he’s gotta make.”
Get this, if he does return, LeBron would surpass Vince Carter for the most seasons played in NBA history. The two are currently tied at 22 seasons each.
LeBron’s most recent campaign was yet another testament to his longevity. At age 39, he became the oldest player ever selected to an All-NBA team after averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists across 70 regular-season games. His season ended in the first round of the playoffs after sustaining a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during the series against the Timberwolves.
When it comes to a potential full-season pairing with Luka Dončić, who joined the Lakers in a midseason blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks, that duo, if they can stay healthy and the front office secures a top-tier big man, could take the Lakers right back in title contention.
Let’s see what happens next.