LeBron James wrapped up his 22nd NBA season after the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the first round of the playoffs. Following the season’s conclusion, the league’s all-time leading scorer sparked speculation about his future with the Lakers. Now, it seems he may have clarity on his next steps.
James holds a player option for the 2025-26 season worth $52.6 million. If he exercises the option, he’ll remain under contract with the Lakers for one more season. If he declines, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent, free to negotiate a new deal with Los Angeles or explore opportunities with other teams.
However, according to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, James is expected to opt into his player option before the June 29 deadline. “I’m told he’s likely to opt in. He’s got a player option of about $54 million, a massive player option. That’s likely,” Charania shared during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “That’s the plan. But again, his option date is June 29. So he still has about a month to figure it out”.
Charania added that the makeup of the Lakers’ roster for the upcoming season will play a pivotal role in James’ decision, as the four-time NBA champion remains focused on competing at the highest level.
“He still has to have some hard conversations that are gonna happen between him and the Lakers to see what this team looks like,” Charania said. “Because listen, LeBron James, whether he plays one more season or a few more seasons, he wants to be in a competitive environment”.
The ESPN insider believes James will ultimately exercise his player option, allowing for greater flexibility in his future decisions. He also noted that the upcoming All-Star Weekend, set to be hosted in Los Angeles, could influence James’ choice.
“I said it when I came on when their season ended—he’s probably gonna opt in because the option is so big, and then that gives you flexibility to figure out: Do you extend off that number, or is this the final year, the last hurrah essentially”. Charania explained. “Year 23 for No. 23, with All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles—it’s very storybook if that’s the way it goes. But that’s a decision he’s gotta make”.