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LeBron James exercised his player option for the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, since it seems to be in the final stages of his long career in the NBA.
Klutch Sports CEO, Rich Paul, told ESPN about James’s decision. According to the reports, the player’s option is worth $ 52.6 million and will be his eighth season in Los Angeles.
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Lakers striker LeBron James during the Utah jazz game on February 10, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, Archive)
James played 70 games during the 2024-25 season. It was the second consecutive year that played at least 70 games. He averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game as the Lakers gathered one of the most intriguing seasons in recent memory.
The angels made the cunning exchange for Luka Doncic that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. Doncic and James will now have more time to join and make a play for a NBA championship together at least once again. The Lakers had 50-32 last season, ending third at the West Conference, but were expelled in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Paul told ESPN that James wants to win and will observe the movements of the Lakers closely to build a content list.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” he said. “He knows that the Lakers are building for the future. He understands it, but values a realistic possibility of winning everything. We greatly appreciate the association we have had for eight years with Jeanie (Buss) and Rob (Pelinka) and we consider the Lakers as a critical part of their career.
The Lakers striker, LeBron James, shoots during the FIVE game of the First Round Playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, on April 30, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, Archive)
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“We understand the difficulty of winning now while we prepare for the future. We want to evaluate what is best for LeBron at this stage of his life and career. He wants to make every season he has noticed, and the Lakers understand that they are supported and want the best for him.”
For James, it will be the year 23. He has four championships, four MVP of the NBA and 21 star selections.
He opened how much he had left in an interview with Associated Press earlier this month, accrediting his family as one of the main reasons why he continues to play. Bronny James is in the organization of the Lakers and Bryce James will play in Arizona. Zhuri James, meanwhile, has an eye on volleyball.
“They are like ‘Dad, continue with your dream. This is your dream. Continue in your approach. You’ve been here for us all this time,” he said. “When you have that kind of support … it makes it much easier.”
James also seemed to be intrigued by the possibility of playing with Bryce James and Bronny.
Lakers striker LeBron James Dunks against the Denver Nuggets, on April 27, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
“At this point in my career, you think about when the end is. That is human nature,” he said. “You think: Is this year? Or next year? Those thoughts always crawl in your mind at this point on the trip. But I have not given a specific schedule, a date. I am seeing how my body and my family react too.”
