Lakers superstar forward LeBron James is picking up his $52.6MM player option for the 2025/26 season, his longtime agent Rich Paul tells Shams Charania of ESPN.
According to Charania, James will be closely monitoring the Lakers’ moves this summer in the hopes of vying for a title next season.
“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 [governor] Jeanie [Buss] and [president of basketball operations] Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.
“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.”
James continued to produce at an unprecedented level for a player of his age after turning 40 last December. He was a second-team All-NBA selection, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 70 games. He also earned All-Star honors for the 21st straight season.
James’ season ended in disappointing fashion as the Lakers were ousted by Minnesota in the first round of the playoffs and he suffered an MCL sprain late in the final game. He recently said the injury is healing and he expects to be ready for training camp.
Picking up the option and ensuring that he’ll be a free agent in 2026 is a change in strategy for James, who typically renegotiates to make sure he has another option season left on his contract. He’ll set a record by playing in his 23rd NBA season, but a report on Saturday stated that he has considered retirement every summer since 2023.
Notably, given Paul’s statement above, exercising that player option instead of signing a new deal means James will remain trade-eligible throughout the offseason. He’s one of just two NBA players with a formal no-trade clause in his contract.
Among the moves James will be watching is whether the Lakers can upgrade at center, either through free agency or trades. They were weak at the position after parting with Anthony Davis in the Luka Doncic deal and often played without a big man on the court in the postseason.
If Dorian Finney-Smith – who also holds a player option – returns, the Lakers will likely have the $5.7MM taxpayer mid-level exception available to spend in free agency. If Finney-Smith opts out and signs with a new team or if the Lakers shed salary elsewhere on the roster, they could open up the $14.1MM non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
Trade him to the Kings for cash considerations.
Then take a bit less so they’re not hard capped and can use the mid level.
Do you give discounts to your employer too so they can hire other workers lolz? Players should not be in the business of giving multi billionaires money back.
I would if I was a billionaire already like LeBron is and the only thing I cared about was my legacy. Dude is throwing away his chance to win a chip with his son for a few extra bucks when he’s already multi generationally wealthy
If he “really” wanted to win he would. He’s worth roughly a billion and it’s hard to fathom that a few million makes a difference BUT another title would be far more worthy.
that is a win for the Lakers since he doesn’t get a option year. Behind the scenes he probably wants a extra option year added on like last time and Lakers said no. Opt in or become a free agent.
Bittersweet
Big win woulda been a pay cut too allow MLE
Big loss woulda been an extra option year
I guess all things considered its a win tho b/c outside NAW who still wasn’t guaranteed to sign there’s not much of a good fit on the MLE this year
My assumption now is the will sign one of Lopez Capella or Kormet on the 5.7 taxpayer exception since they probably have the biggest role for a C on the market
The big win is not having LeBron dengling another option year over lakers heads. lakers will be bidding against a few teams for those centers so who knows where they will end up.
Here’s waiting for Cap ‘n Crunch to give his predictions on Laker moves over the next week. He’s right more than anybody.
Disappear!
I’ll also opt-in this year to watch my favorite team instead of focusing on what Lebron is doing
LeSelfish
Cap ‘n Crunch is the freaking man when it comes to a lot of his commentary – and I’m really glad, despite him being a Lakers fan, that he’s starting to come around regarding the Brawny Sensation saga. Brawny has worn out his welcome with an increasing amount of casual and avid basketball fans; it’s most certainly not the other way around.
Lakers aren’t winning anything even if he takes the minimum. He’s the greatest player of his generation. He can do whatever he wants to do. Bunch of haters. If Bron really had big ones. He would opt out and go sign a minimum deal with Cavs. Only place he will win…….