Four-time MVP LeBron James has a $52.6 million player option to return to the Los Angeles Lakers next season. The 40-year-old would become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declined his 2025-26 player option.
The Lakers were projected to compete for the championship this year after acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in February. However, the Minnesota Timberwolves beat Los Angeles in the first round of the playoffs in five games.
James, the oldest active player in the NBA, suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee in Game 5. The four-time Finals MVP told reporters after Game 5 that he didn't know what his plans were for next season.
"I don't know. I don't have an answer to that," James said. "Something I'll sit down with my family, my wife and my support group and kind of just talk through it and see what happens."
James has a few options at his disposal. He can pick up his player option and return to the Lakers, decline his player option and either sign a new deal with Los Angeles or join another team or retire from the NBA.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James
© Soobum Im-Imagn Images
One NBA analyst predicts that James will return to the Lakers next season. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report predicted that James will decline his 2025-26 player option and sign a new contract with Los Angeles.
"Look for James to give himself a bit of wiggle room, then, by declining his option and re-signing with the Lakers on a two-year, roughly $105 million deal with a player option on the second season," Buckley wrote.
James appeared in 70 games for the Lakers this season. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks.
In the Lakers-Timberwolves postseason series, James averaged 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.8 blocks.
It will be intriguing to see what James does this offseason. He has been with the Lakers since 2018.