LeBron James Opts Into His $52.6 Million Player Option
Lakers star LeBron James has opted into his $52.6 million player option, returning to LA for his 23rd season in the NBA.
BREAKING: LeBron James is opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season.
HE’S NOT GOING ANYWHERE. pic.twitter.com/XCEgZwjyPB
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) June 29, 2025
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul told ESPN. “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.
James was named to the All-NBA Second Team in the 2024-25 season, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and a steal per game. The 40-year-old shot 51.3 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from three.
“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future,” Paul said. “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.”
James will play alongside superstar Luka Doncic for their first full season together. Doncic joined the Lakers in February, sending Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick to the Dallas Mavericks.
However, LeBron is monitoring the Lakers’ moves this offseason. Most notably, LA has yet to add a center.
Although James and Doncic only had a limited number of games together, they formed a successful duo. They led the Lakers to the third seed in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record.
While LA fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs, they should be better next season. With LeBron James returning to the Lakers, Rob Pelinka must shift his focus to improving the rest of the roster.
