Breaking: LeBron James picks up $52.6M player option

LeBron James is not retiring anytime soon. He’s picking up his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Related: LeBron explains why he can’t pick Jordan as dream teammate

According to Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, LeBron picking up his $52.6 million player option proves he’s all-in for next season.

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“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 and 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.”

The Lakers will always remain competitive as long as LeBron is on the roster. Now having Luka Doncic with LeBron for a full season, look for the Lakers to make some real noise come next season.

About the Author Published Jun 29, 2025

TITAN FREY

Titan Frey is a dedicated father to three wonderful children, whom he takes immense pride in. His passions include reading, writing, basketball, both playing and watching, and playing chess. Titan spent five years working as a journalist for the basketball website fadeawayworld.net, where he served as editor-in-chief for four and a half years. One of his most notable achievements was interviewing Chuck Cooper III, the son of Chuck Cooper, the first African American ever drafted by an NBA team, and writing a biography that has been praised as the most definitive article about Cooper’s legacy. Titan is the author of more than ten novels and the screenwriter of three produced short films. His newest young adult novel, Echoes of the Hardwood: Braxton Foxworthy’s Time‑Travelling Book Report, blends basketball history with heartfelt storytelling and is now available. Order here: https://a.co/d/bo7BYz1