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LeBron James exercised his player option for the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday as he appears to be in the final stages of his lengthy NBA career.
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN about James’ decision. The player option is reportedly worth $52.6 million and it will be his eighth season in Los Angeles.
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Lakers forward LeBron James during the Utah Jazz game on Feb. 10, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
James played 70 games during the 2024-25 season. It was the second straight year he played at least 70 games. He averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game as the Lakers put together one of the more intriguing seasons in recent memory.
Los Angeles made the shrewd trade for Luka Doncic that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. Doncic and James will now have more time to team up and make a play for an NBA championship together at least one more time. The Lakers were 50-32 last season, finishing third in the Western Conference, but were ousted in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Paul told ESPN that James wants to win and will be watching the Lakers’ moves closely to build a contending roster.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” he 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.
Lakers forward LeBron James shoots during game five of the first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, April 30, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
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“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.”
For James, it will be Year 23. He has four championships, four NBA MVPs and 21 All-Star selections.
He opened up about how much he has left to give in an interview with The Associated Press earlier this month, crediting his family as one of the main reasons why he’s continuing to play. Bronny James is in the Lakers’ organization and Bryce James is set to play in Arizona. Zhuri James, meanwhile, has her sights set on volleyball.
“They’re like ‘Dad, continue on your dream. This is your dream. Continue on your focus. You’ve been here for us this whole time,'” he said. “When you have that type of support… it makes it a lot easier.”
James also appeared to be intrigued by the possibility of playing with Bryce James as well as Bronny.
Lakers forward LeBron James dunks against the Denver Nuggets, April 27, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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“At this point of my career, you think about when the end is. That’s human nature,” he said. “You think: Is it this year? Or next year? Those thoughts always creep into your mind at this point of the journey. But I have not given it a specific timetable, date. I’m seeing how my body and family reacts, too.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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