As the Los Angeles Lakers enter the offseason, one of the biggest questions around the team is what the future holds for star forward LeBron James. James has a player option for $52.6 million, and many are expecting him to opt into the deal.
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James has hinted at retirement in each of the past few offseasons, and there is a thought that he may be looking to play one more season. If this is the case, James would likely take the final year of the deal.
But if James wants to give himself options, we could see a different scenario play out. And it seems that could happen based on a new report around the status of James.
According to Lakers insider Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, James isn't a lock to opt into the final year of his deal. Irwin speculates that James could be looking to opt-out, and land a new contract with Los Angeles.
"Most echo Charania's reporting that James intends to opt in, but some sources close to the Lakers say they anticipate James opting out and signing another two-year deal worth near the max with a player option for the second season and another full no-trade clause," Irwin said.
James will be entering year 23 of his NBA career, but he is still playing at a very high level. Last season, the former league MVP averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game.
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The veteran star is performing at a level that we have never seen before from someone at this age, and he has defied the odds completely. It has been rumored that the Lakers will allow James to have whatever type of deal he wants, showing loyalty to the star player.
Playing alongside star guard Luka Doncic could give James more life in the NBA, but that all remains to be seen. James and Doncic showed great chemistry together on the court in a limited time, and the two be looking to add to that this coming season.
But no matter what type of contract James takes this offseason, NBA fans should be preparing for the final year or two of his legendary career.
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This story was originally published June 13, 2025 at 2:52 PM.