LeBron James opts in with Lakers for next NBA season: reports

Los Angeles: LeBron James is exercising his $52.6 million player option to rejoin the Los Angeles Lakers next season, hoping to challenge for his fift...

Los Angeles: LeBron James is exercising his $52.6 million player option to rejoin the Los Angeles Lakers next season, hoping to challenge for his fifth NBA title, according to multiple reports on Sunday.

ESPN and The Athletic reported James, a four-time NBA Most Valuable Player who turns 41 in December, will be watching the Lakers' off-season roster moves as he prepares for a record-setting 23rd NBA campaign.

"LeBron wants to compete for a championship," James's agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN. "He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.

"We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him."

James, the NBA's all-time scoring leader, has not said whether he sees the 2025-26 NBA season as possibly his last or whether he plans to play longer.