The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the NBA Playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves last month, and their elimination began the clock for LeBron James to decide on whether or not to play another season.
James was able to accomplish one of his previously stated goals by playing with his son Bronny on the Lakers last season, but the allure of more championships is still present.
The Lakers made a massive trade this season, bringing in one of the best young stars in the NBA in Luka Doncic. James may have been content to ride into the sunset before, but with Doncic on the roster it could inspire him to remain in the league for a few more seasons to chase more titles.
On Tuesday, one major NBA insider gave a hint on what James is expected to do this offseason when it comes to his contract.
"I'm told LeBron James is likely to opt in..
He's got a massive player option and that's the plan..
He still has about a month to figure that out"@ShamsCharania#PMSLivepic.twitter.com/8mzUsMCU9r
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 27, 2025
During an appearance on ESPN's "Pat McAfee Show," NBA insider Shams Charania said that James is expected to opt in to his player option with the Lakers.
James' option for next season would pay him between $54 and $57 million in salary alone, not counting what he would make through endorsements and other streams of income.
Charania noted that James still has a month to reach his final decisions, and that there would be some "hard conversations" about the Lakers' roster heading into the 2025-26 season.
The Lakers went 50-32 this season, winning the Pacific division and earning the third seed in the West. A lack of size and frontcourt depth ultimately led to their loss in the first round to Minnesota, and it's the area of most immediate need for the team in the offseason.
"LeBron James, whether he plays one more season or a few more seasons, he wants to be in a competitive environment," Charania said.
"He's probably going to opt in because the option is so big...if this is the final year, it's year 23 for number 23. The All-Star Weekend is in Los Angeles, so to me it's very storybook if that's the way it goes. But that's a decision that he's got to make."
We'll see what direction James opts to go in as he prepares for what would be his 23rd NBA season.
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This story was originally published May 27, 2025 at 10:54 AM.