LeBron James Exercises $52.6 Million Player Option, Will Return to Lakers for Historic 23rd NBA Season

Los Angeles, CA – June 29, 2025 – LeBron James has officially exercised his $52.6 million player option to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 NBA season, securing his place as the first player in league history to compete in a 23rd season. The decision, confirmed by Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, ensures James will continue his tenure in Los Angeles, where he has already delivered a championship in 2020 and contributed to the franchise’s recent resurgence.

James, who turns 41 in December, remains a central figure for the Lakers. In the 2024-25 season, he played 70 games—his second consecutive season reaching that mark—and averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. Despite his age, James continues to perform at an elite level, underscoring his value to the team and the league.

The Lakers finished last season with a 50-32 record, securing the third seed in the Western Conference before being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The campaign was marked by a blockbuster trade in February that brought Luka Dončić to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis, signaling a shift toward building for the future while maintaining immediate competitiveness.

James’s decision to opt in comes with a clear message to Lakers management. According to his agent, Rich Paul, James is committed to competing for another championship and expects the organization to make roster moves that will keep the team in title contention. “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 Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career”.

James originally signed a two-year, $103.3 million extension with the Lakers in 2024, which included the player option for the upcoming season. His return for an eighth year with the franchise extends a partnership that has seen both individual milestones and team achievements.

With James’s future secured for at least one more season, attention now turns to the Lakers’ offseason strategy as they look to maximize the championship window with their veteran superstar and new core led by Dončić.