The Los Angeles Lakers will have LeBron James for the 2025-26 season after he accepted his $52.6 million player option, but his agent was quick to put pressure on the franchise and open the door for a potential exit. Paul said, "He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.” It was a not-so-subtle way of saying LeBron is keeping his options open beyond this season.
LeBron turns 41 in December. He will set a new record by playing his 23rd NBA season this fall. The league’s all-time leading scorer only has a few years left. He was still elite in 2025, including making second-team All-NBA, but what King James is doing is already unprecedented. He certainly cannot play at this level forever.
LeBron not taking a pay cut from his $52.6 million salary hampers the Lakers' flexibility. They have their sights set on adding a center and want pieces that help maximize Luka Doncic. Finding the talents won’t be easy and another disappointing season could be LeBron’s last with the Lakers.
LeBron James re-opens the door for his departure from the Lakers
LeBron wants to be in LA with his family. His eldest son is on the Lakers roster, so there are plenty of reasons to stay. James has other ambitions too. He wants that fifth championship. James is already the GOAT and has nothing left to add to his legacy. It is all about his desires.
James should do what is best for him. He has earned that right. LeBron knows Austin Reaves is up for a new contract next summer and will get a massive raise. Having three stars making near max money leaves no flexibility to build out the roster. LeBron appears to already be preparing for the Lakers asking him to take a pay cut. If he doesn’t want that, James may play his final years elsewhere.
The obvious landing spot would be Cleveland. The Cavaliers had the best record in the East last season and are the hometown team. LeBron's farewell season back where it all started would hit different.
The Lakers need to build the best team possible for the present and future around Luka Doncic. The 26-year-old is in the middle of his prime. LeBron will ultimately do what he wants. Fans have seen that throughout his career. LA’s focus should be competing for a championship with Luka. They want James to be a key part of that, but it is ultimately up to LeBron if that happens.
The Los Angeles Lakers offseason is in full swing. LeBron James will be back on a massive contract, but the pressure is on the front office to upgrade their roster ASAP. Luka is extension-eligible in August, and the franchise must lock him up long-term. They need to present him with the ability to compete for a championship in 2026 to do so. It is time to get to work to keep both superstars happy.