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Los Angeles Lakers
Sep 1, 2025 12:09 PM EDT
LeBron James has officially committed to at least one more season with the Los Angeles Lakers, exercising his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 NBA campaign. The move came amid weeks of intense speculation about his long-term future in Los Angeles, where he has played the last seven seasons and helped the franchise return to contention.
Outside of basketball, James has continued to expand his profile as a businessman and global sports figure. That includes his investment in Liverpool FC, a Premier League club he has openly supported, and one that has dominated headlines this summer with record-breaking spending capped by the team’s most recent blockbuster deal.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) — Source: Getty Images
NBA Player Reacts to Liverpool’s Splash Transfers
On Sunday, renowned soccer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Liverpool have secured Alexander Isak from Newcastle United FC for a British-record fee of £125 million ($146.2 million), a figure that could rise to £130 million with add-ons. The move came just weeks after the Reds landed Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for around £116 million, bringing their total outlay to a British-record £451.2 million ($565 Million) this summer across multiple high-profile signings.
While Liverpool fans celebrate their latest signings, the club’s lavish spending hasn’t gone unnoticed—especially by rival fans, who continue to question how Liverpool have managed to spend so much in the summer. On Monday, New York Knicks guard Josh Hart joined the ongoing conversation with a subtle dig at the Reds:
“Liverpool got a money printer in Anfield?” Hart, a longtime Chelsea supporter, wrote on X.
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Although Hart appeared to criticize the latest transfer, it is only the second time an English club has crossed the £400 million mark in a single window, following Chelsea’s record £401.2 million spree in 2023 (via BBC)
It’s worth mentioning that Liverpool’s spending spree has been balanced somewhat by departures. The sales of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tyler Morton and Ben Doak have recouped close to £190 million ($222.3 million). Still, the net outlay signals Liverpool’s determination to build a squad capable of contending for both domestic and international titles.
Liverpool Set to Defend Premier League Title
Liverpool will enter the new Premier League season as defending champions with an even stronger squad. The addition of Isak joins earlier marquee signings such as Florian Wirtz, making them favorites to repeat.
However, competition remains fierce, with Arsenal pushing for their first title since 2004 and Chelsea, fresh off a Club World Cup win, expected to mount a serious challenge.
About the Author
Ayomide Adeduyite
Trending News Writer, Athlon Sports
Ayomide Adeduyite is a contributing writer for the Athlon Sports trending and breaking news team.