The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the 2025-26 season with high hopes. With an offseason to build around recently acquired superstar Luka Doncic and a new ownership group on the horizon, the future for the franchise is looking bright.
While the Buss family's control over the franchise is coming to an end, it seems the era of LeBron James on the franchise is also on its final legs. The forward tied Vince Carter for most NBA seasons played with 22 last season, becoming the oldest player to make an All-Star and All-NBA team in NBA history.
James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists last season, with his numbers declining but still good enough to be among the league's very best.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James controls the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker defends during their playoff game at Crypto.com Arena on April 30, 2025.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James controls the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker defends during their playoff game at Crypto.com Arena on April 30, 2025.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
With his productions till this solid and a definite No. 1 option like Doncic to carry the team's load instead of him, LeBron has made a final decision on retirement before next season.
Shams Charania announced on social media that LeBron has accepted his $52.6 million player option for next season. It means he still has a no-trade clause in his contract and will return for a record-breaking 23rd NBA season.
"Breaking: Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James is opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN."
LeBron's agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, issued a comment on the decision as well.
"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."
LeBron's decision gives the Lakers an exact idea of what they need to do this offseason to build around James and Doncic. Whether this is the final season LeBron plays in the NBA is yet to be decided, but the all-time scoring leader will be entertaining billions around the world for one more year.