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LeBron James Commits To Lakers, Picks Up $52.6M Player Option For 2025-26 Season


LeBron James Commits To Lakers, Picks Up $52.6M Player Option For 2025-26 Season originally appeared on Fadeaway World.

The King isn't done, and he's not planning to bow out anytime soon.

In a move that reinforces his desire to keep competing at the highest level, LeBron James has officially picked u p his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania on Sunday. James, who will turn 41 midseason, is now set to enter his record-setting 23rd NBA campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise he's called home since 2018.

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While James has flirted with the idea of retirement in recent years, his decision to opt in signals that he's far from ready to walk away. According to Rich Paul:

"LeBron wants to compete for a championship. 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 and Rob 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."

That balance between long-term planning and short-term contention will define this Lakers' offseason.

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Despite last year's early playoff exit at the hands of the Timberwolves and the trading away of Anthony Davis, the Lakers remain committed to keeping LeBron in the fold. Still, the pressure is mounting on GM Rob Pelinka and new head coach JJ Redick to deliver a roster worthy of James' remaining years.

James' resume remains unmatched. He's a four-time NBA champion, four-time Finals MVP, and a four-time league MVP.

He holds the all-time scoring record and is just 50 games away from surpassing Robert Parish for the most career regular-season appearances. He's also about to brea k Vince Carter's record for the most seasons played in NBA history.

Even at 40, James remains a statistical monster. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game on 51.3% shooting. From December 30 onward, he was one of only three players to average at least 25-7-7, alongside Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic.

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One of the biggest questions surrounding LeBron's final chapters is whether his historic career will end in purple and gold. Despite past statements about finishing with the Lakers, James and his camp are reportedly taking things one year at a time.

He is keeping a close eye on the team's offseason moves, particularly the pursuit of a quality big man and the decision regarding forward Dorian Finney-Smith's player option.

Despite public speculation and even his wife Savannah reportedly nudging him toward retirement during a recent dinner in New York, James is not approaching 2025–26 as a farewell tour. If anything, it appears the fire to compete is still burning strong.

Whether that happens in a year or later, one thing is clear: LeBron James isn't done chasing greatness just yet. And for at least one more season, the Lakers and the NBA still belong to the King.

Related: Updated NBA Rings Leaderboard: LeBron James And Warriors Stars Remain Atop Active Players

This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.

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