Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show Tuesday, ESPN insider Shams Charania shared an update on LeBron James’ future, saying the Lakers star is “likely to opt in” to his $52.6 million player option for the 2025/26 season.
“That’s likely, that’s the plan,” Charania said. “But his option date is June 29, so he still has about a month to figure it out.” He emphasized that important conversations are still ahead between James and the Lakers as they evaluate the team’s direction.
“Whether he plays one more season or a few more seasons, he wants to be in a competitive environment,” Charania added.
The massive salary makes opting in the logical move.
“He’s probably going to opt in because the option is so big,” Charania explained. It also gives James flexibility – either to extend later or treat next season as a potential final run: “if this is the last hurrah, essentially.”
James, who turns 41 during the 2025/26 campaign, didn’t confirm his plans after the Lakers were eliminated this postseason, leaving open questions about retirement or a return to L.A.
But there’s been no serious indication he plans to walk away or leave the franchise, and the growing optimism around the team, especially with rising talent like Luka Doncic in the league spotlight, may help keep him in purple and gold.
If he does return, it would be LeBron’s 23rd NBA season, surpassing Vince Carter’s record of 22 and setting a new all-time mark.
LeBron James is reportedly leaning toward opting in to his $52.6MM contract for next season: https://t.co/5g6eWd6Vjq
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 28, 2025
