An NBA executive found it "very strange" that the Lakers haven't officially announced LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million deal for the 2025–26 season, which is uncommon for a star player.
LeBron James has picked up his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the team has yet to officially announce the move, something that has raised eyebrows around the league.
LeBron James
LeBron James
LeBron James
MIN: 35.31
PTS: 24.49 (56.91%)
REB: 7.88
As: 8.04
ST: 1.07
BL: 0.64
TO: 3.64
GM: 75
"Yeah, usually when a star player like LeBron opts into his contract, the team announces the move," the NBA executive told Hoops Wire. "I find this very strange. Something is definitely going on behind the scenes. I mean, the odds of LeBron getting traded are very, very low. His salary is just too high.
"But I think LeBron and the Lakers' front office are butting heads," the person added.
That tension may explain the silence. According to Jovan Buha, LeBron's relationship with the organization might not be as strong as it once was.
"I mean, I want to be careful with what I say about Bron's relationship with the front office or the organization, but I don't think it's in the best place right now, to be completely honest," Buha said.
James will turn 41 next season but is still playing at a top level. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists last season, earning a spot on the All-NBA Second Team.
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