LeBron James activates option: $52.6M and monitors Lakers moves

LeBron James Will Exercise Player Option with Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has decided to exercise his player option for $52.6 million for the 2025-26 season, according to Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports. James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, aims to compete for a championship next season and beyond. He will be attentive to the team’s decisions during the offseason, seeking a roster capable of fighting for the title.

LeBron wants to compete for a championship. He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a real opportunity to win it all.

Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports

The 40-year-old player, who is about to begin his 23rd season in the NBA, has not yet decided whether this will be his last campaign or if he will continue playing for several more years. James, who has a no-trade clause in his contract, is 50 games away from breaking Robert Parish’s record for the most regular season games played. In addition, next season he will surpass Vince Carter on the list of players with the most seasons played in the NBA. In a recent dinner in New York, James was seen with his wife Savannah, Kevin Love and his wife, Kate, among others. In a video shared on social media, James is heard saying that Savannah wants him to retire in the next year or so. In February 2024, after the Warriors inquired about a possible trade for James, the player expressed his desire to continue playing with the Lakers. In 2018, James joined the Lakers and led the team to win the NBA title in 2020 and the Western Conference finals in 2023.

James is a four-time NBA champion, four-time Finals MVP, and four-time league MVP. He has been selected for 21 All-Star teams and 21 All-NBA teams, including being the first 40-year-old player to be part of an All-NBA team. In the last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game. James returned to activity on the court this week after suffering a medial collateral ligament sprain in his left knee in Game 5 of the first round against the Timberwolves. He averaged 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.8 blocks in 40.8 minutes per game against the Timberwolves. After the defeat against Minnesota, James expressed his disappointment at not having the opportunity to compete for a fifth title. The Lakers are looking for a center through free agency or a trade and are awaiting Dorian Finney-Smith’s player option decision.