According to NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, LeBron James will likely decline his 2025-26 player option and sign a new contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron’s player option for next season is worth $52,627,153.
“LeBron will likely opt out of his $50.6 million player option, but he is not expected to leave Los Angeles, league sources told ClutchPoints,” Siegel wrote. “This has been James’ strategy through the years, signing those unique 1+1 contracts which give him and the Lakers flexibility to adjust their cap numbers accordingly. Last offseason, James made it clear to Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office that he would be willing to take a slight pay cut if it meant them targeting impactful talents who could increase the team’s championship odds. He will very likely do the same this summer.”
The Lakers acquired Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks at this year’s NBA trade deadline.
The team also drafted LeBron’s son, Bronny James, in the 2024 draft.
The leading scorer in NBA history, LeBron is still putting up elite numbers despite being the oldest player in the league. The four-time MVP is averaging 24.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 8.5 assists this season while shooting 51.2% from the field, 37.3% from beyond the arc and 76.8% from the free-throw line.
LeBron told Pat McAfee that he will know when it’s time to retire from the NBA.
“It’s popping up more and more every year. Obviously, I know that I’m on the other side of the hill than the other side,” LeBron said. “For me, it’s about my mind. I’m all about the process. If it gets to the point where I don’t feel like showing up to the arena five hours in advance or I don’t feel like training or I don’t feel like studying the scout sheet of guys, if it gets to that point, I’ll know.”
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