LeBron James has made history by opting into the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, exercising a $52.6 million player option to remain with the team for the 2025-26 season. The move is significant as it marks a new chapter in James’ career and comes at a time when the Lakers are undergoing significant changes.
The decision deadline was Sunday, with James’ choice notable considering his age and recent recovery from a Grade 2 MCL sprain. While there’s no guarantee about what comes after this upcoming campaign, James has publicly acknowledged the possibility of retirement. His agent, Rich Paul, stated that James wants to make every season he has left count and is supportive of the Lakers’ vision for building towards the future.
James’ move reflects his influence on NBA contracts, as he has been a driving force behind player empowerment and shorter deals with player options. The 22-year veteran has held sway in the Lakers organization since joining in 2018 and led the franchise to its 17th championship in 2020 alongside Anthony Davis.
However, the Lakers are entering a period of significant change, with the recent trade of Davis for Luka Dončić and Jeanie Buss’s sale of controlling interest to Mark Walter. The team now envisions James, Dončić, and Austin Reaves as its core, with a training camp environment aiming to build an ethos around these three players.
James’ decision comes after a season in which he played 70 games and earned All-NBA Second Team honors, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. With his son Bronny entering his second season with the Lakers, James has expressed uncertainty about how much longer he wants to play, citing a conversation with himself and family.
As the NBA landscape continues to evolve, LeBron James’ decision marks an important milestone in his career and highlights the complexities of player empowerment in modern sports contracts.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6458727/2025/06/29/lebron-james-player-option-lakers-return