LeBron James isn’t going anywhere.
The Los Angeles Lakers star reportedly opted in to his $52.6 million player option for next season, bypassing the chance to enter free agency when it opens on Monday.
ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the news on Sunday, hours before the deadline for James’ decision.
James, 40, will enter his record-setting 23rd NBA season this fall. His future beyond the 2025-26 campaign is unclear at this time.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” James’ 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 are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with (owner Jeanie Buss) and (general manager Rob Pelinka) and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.
“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.”
The Lakers enter free agency eager to improve the roster following a first-round exit in the 2025 playoffs, losing in five games to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
James can be traded now that he has a contract for next season, but he holds a no-trade clause in his contract — allowing him to veto any deal. This gives the NBA’s all-time leading scorer full control over his future, depending on how he views the Lakers’ offseason.
Only three Lakers players are currently set to hit the open market Monday — Jaxson Hayes, Markieff Morris and Alex Len. Forward Dorian Finney-Smith has a $15.4 million player option that he must decide to accept or decline by 2 p.m. PT on Sunday.
After launching his tequila brand Lobos 1707 during the COVID-19 pandemic, actor Diego Osorio struggled to position his product in the U.S. However, an unexpected call from an NBA legend led to a collaboration that would place Lobos 1707 products in major spirits retailers across the country.