LeBron James appears poised to make history yet again, as the Los Angeles Lakers superstar is “likely” to opt into the final year of his contract for the 2025-26 NBA season, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The 40-year-old, who signed a two-year, 101.4 million dollar deal in 2024, has until June 29 to officially decide whether to exercise his 52.6 million dollar player option.
Should he opt out, James could instead pursue a new short-term deal worth approximately 54.1 million dollars-but current reports suggest he will stay the course.
If he returns, James will set a new NBA milestone by becoming the first player in league history to play 23 seasons. Fittingly, that number also matches the iconic jersey he has worn for most of his career.
Despite being the league’s oldest active player, James continues to perform at a remarkably high level. He averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds over 70 games this past season, earning All-NBA Second Team honors. It was his 21st All-NBA selection, further extending a record few are likely to challenge anytime soon.
A changing Lakers landscape
James‘ probable return comes amid significant shifts within the Lakers roster. Earlier this year, Los Angeles made waves by trading longtime co-star Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic.
The blockbuster deal shocked many around the league and signaled a generational transition for the franchise.
Doncic, 26, is expected to be the centerpiece of the Lakers moving forward and becomes eligible for a long-term contract extension later this offseason.
While James acknowledged he would like to see Doncic commit to the Lakers long-term, he made clear it is not his role to influence that decision.
“That ain’t my job,” James told ESPN after the season ended.
With the addition of Doncic and James potentially returning, the Lakers are crafting a roster that blends generational greatness with future aspirations.
The hope in Los Angeles is that Doncic can become the team’s franchise cornerstone for the next decade-well after James eventually steps away from the game.
But LeBron’s retirement may not be imminent. Last season, he made NBA history by playing alongside his eldest son, Bronny James, in the Lakers’ season opener-the first father-son duo ever to share an NBA court.
Now, with his younger son Bryce James becoming draft-eligible in 2026, speculation is mounting that LeBron may extend his career even further in hopes of playing with both sons.
While James has not confirmed long-term plans, sources say he intends to speak with Lakers management about strengthening the roster. If he does return, it will not simply be for ceremonial value-it will be with a competitive mindset and an eye on mentoring the next era of Lakers stars.
Whether or not the 2025-26 season proves to be LeBron‘s final act, his ongoing presence is a reminder of his enduring influence, both on and off the court.
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