LeBron James Opts In, But Questions Linger About Lakers Future

Is LeBron James entering his final NBA season? (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

After spending the past two months pondering both an early playoff exit and his uncertain future, LeBron James gave at least some clarity on his itinerary for the next year.

James exercised his $52.6 million player option to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 season, his agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN on Sunday morning.

Had James opted out of his contract, the Lakers and other NBA teams expected he would simply negotiate a longer deal to wear a purple and gold uniform. By exercising his player option, however, James avoided any remote uncertainty about his value on the open market and where he would play.

A Decision That Buys Time

Those short-term assurances only lead to long-term questions. With James under contract for only one more season, does this mean he will retire after his 23rd NBA season? Or will this set James up for another deal next offseason?

Paul didn’t offer any clarity to ESPN on that question. In fairness, James said, “I don’t have an answer” when asked how many more seasons he plans to play, following the Lakers’ first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves nearly two months ago. By exercising his player option, James has a full season to evaluate the various factors that could determine his future. That includes his play, his health, and the Lakers’ successes and failures.

But Paul stressed to ESPN that James “knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.”

In other words, James won’t just decide at any point this season whether this will mark his final year. He will also evaluate whether that final year will be with the Lakers. After turning 40 on Dec. 30, 2024, James stressed, “I would love for it to end here.” James referenced the fluidity both NBA franchises and players face regarding “the business of basketball.” But James added, “Hopefully I don’t got to go nowhere before my career is over.”

Playing Now, Planning Later

The Lakers have considered it important for James to retire in a purple and gold uniform. Even after 22 NBA seasons, the 40-year-old James has still played at an All-Star-caliber level and commands the locker room. The Lakers used their No. 58 pick on James’ son, Bronny, partly because it meant so much for the father to play on the same team with his son, and partly because they believe Bronny will become a definitive rotation player due to his strong work ethic and professionalism. For both business and basketball reasons, the Lakers likely would grant James a max contract beyond this upcoming season.

After the Lakers acquired Luka Dončić in an unexpected blockbuster deal before the trade deadline, the dynamic changed subtly. The Lakers found their next superstar to guide the franchise for whenever James retires. The Lakers now prioritize long-term sustainability due to Dončić’s arrival more than short-term gain during James’ remaining tenure. Dončić immediately assumed control of the Lakers’ offense, while James willingly embraced a reduced workload and became a more efficient scorer, passer and defender.

The fit between James and Dončić has mostly been seamless. James has also supported JJ Redick during his first season as Lakers head coach for his preparation, adjustments and how he related to all players on the roster. James continued to support Redick even during the team’s playoff shortcomings, and their partnership appeared more genuine than when they collaborated on a podcast near the end of the 2023-24 season and through the playoffs.

Eyes on the Future

But James understandably has question marks about the Lakers’ future. How much will Dončić improve his conditioning? Can the Lakers upgrade at the center position despite having limited cap space? With the Buss family selling their majority shares to Mark Walter, how will Walter’s reputation for high spending play out in real time on free agents and support staff?

Will James waver on his original plan to retire with the Lakers? That appears unlikely. The Lakers could become a championship contender this season with more continuity and depth. The Lakers would likely pay James more than any other team. James would still get to play with Bronny. But after spending most of his NBA career trying to make the right basketball play, James has given himself the flexibility to call an audible.