LeBron James is exercising his $52.6 million player option to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers for the upcoming season, aiming to contend for his fifth NBA championship, according to multiple reports on Sunday.
ESPN and The Athletic revealed that James — a four-time NBA MVP who turns 41 in December — will be closely watching the Lakers’ off-season roster decisions as he prepares for what will be a record-setting 23rd season in the league.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” said his agent, Rich Paul, in an interview with ESPN.
“He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. 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, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, has yet to indicate whether the 2025-26 season could be his final one or if he plans to continue playing beyond that. By returning, he is set to break the record for most seasons played in NBA history — a mark he currently shares with Vince Carter — and is only 50 games away from surpassing Robert Parish’s record of 1,611 regular-season games played.
Last week, James shared a video on social media of his first workout since sustaining a left knee injury during the Lakers’ playoff loss to Minnesota.
He averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game last season. Over his career, he has averaged 27.0 points, 7.4 assists, and 7.5 rebounds.
A 21-time NBA All-Star, James holds four NBA titles — two with the Miami Heat (2012, 2013), one with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2016), and one with the Lakers (2020).
