Los Angeles Lakers veteran LeBron James has picked $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul has informed ESPN on Sunday.
Paul said James will be closely monitoring the Lakers’ moves during the off-season and wants to go all the way with the franchise in next season.
“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.
“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.”
The next season will be the 23rd for James, which will be the most for any player in NBA history. James will go past Vince Carter’s record of 22 seasons.
James is currently unsure whether he has one campaign left in his old tank or wants to play multiple more years.
“I am a Laker, and I’m happy and been very happy being a Laker the last six years and hopefully it stays that way,” James said.
James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game this past season. The stalwart said he feels disappointed whenever he fails to qualify for the NBA finals or win the championship.
“Every season that I did not make it to the Finals or did not win the championship has been a disappointment,” James said. “So it’d be the same for me. It’d be the same offseason of disappointment and unfulfillment, having an opportunity to play longer and give yourself an opportunity to play for the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Nothing changes for me.”
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