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LeBron James exercised his player option for the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday because he seems to be in the last stages of his long NBA career.
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, James’ decision told ESPN. The player’s option is worth $ 52.6 million and it will be his eighth season in Los Angeles.
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Lakers LeBron James striker in the Utah jazz match on February 10, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP photo / Mark J. Terill, File)
James played 70 games during the 2024-25 season. It was the second consecutive year that he played at least 70 games. He collected an average of 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per match while the Lakers have gathered one of the most intriguing seasons of recent memory.
Los Angeles traded by Luka Donnon who sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. Dononic and James will now have more time to team up and play for an NBA championship together at least once again. The Lakers were 50-32 last season, finishing third from the Western Conference, but were ousted in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Paul told ESPN that James wanted to win and that the Lakers will move close to building a rivalic list.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” he said. “He knows that Lakers are building for the future. He understands this, but he appreciates a realistic chance of winning everything. We are very grateful to the partnership that we have had for eight years with Jeanie (Buss) and Rob (Pelinka) and consider the Lakers as an essential part of his career.
Lakers striker Lebron James, filmed in the five first -round eliminatory series against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 30, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP photo / Mark J. Terill, File)
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“We understand the difficulty of winning now while preparing for the future. We want to assess what is best for LeBron at this stage of his life and his career. He wants to make every season he has left, and the Lakers understand this, are favorable and want what is best for him.”
For James, it will be the 23 year. He has four championships, four NBA MVPs and 21 All-Star selections.
He revealed how much he has to give in an interview with the Associated Press earlier this month, creating his family as one of the main reasons for which he continues to play. Bronny James is part of the organization of Lakers and Bryce James should play in Arizona. Zhuri James, on the other hand, has its goal on volleyball.
“They are like” Dad, continue your dream. This is your dream. Continue your goal. You are there for us all this time, “he said.” When you have this type of support … It makes the task a lot. “
James also seemed to be intrigued by the possibility of playing with Bryce James as well as Bonny.
Lakers LeBron James Dunks against Denver Nuggets, April 27, 2024 in Los Angeles. (AP photo / Mark J. Terill)
“At this stage of my career, you think at the end. It is human nature,” he said. “Do you think: is this this year? Or next year? These thoughts still slip into your mind at this stage of the trip. But I did not give it a specific calendar, appointment. I see how my body and family react too.”
