Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James is expected to exercise his player option for the 2025–26 NBA season, which would lock him in at a salary of $52.6 million for that year.
This move would keep the 20-time All-Star under contract with the Lakers for at least one more season, adding clarity to the team’s short-term plans.
This decision represents a shift in strategy for James, who in recent years has typically chosen to decline his player options in favor of signing new two-year deals that include a player option in the second year.
That approach has allowed him to maintain contractual flexibility and maximize earnings in alignment with annual cap increases.
By choosing to opt in this time, James gives the Lakers a more predictable cap structure for the upcoming season.
This could enable the front office to access the $5.7 million Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, which allows teams over the cap to add veteran talent.
However, the team’s exact financial flexibility still depends in part on the decision of forward Dorian Finney-Smith, who holds a $15.4 million player option of his own for next season.
If both James and Finney-Smith opt in, the Lakers will likely be limited in how much they can spend in free agency without triggering the league’s more punitive second tax apron.
Still, James’ commitment would provide stability as the franchise prepares for another potential title run with him at the helm.
LeBron James Expected To Pick Up $52.6M Player Option With Lakers https://t.co/0Hac53uFjQ
— RealGM (@RealGM) June 28, 2025
