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LeBron James has yet to confirm whether he will return to play next season, but all signs point to him continuing his career and doing so with the Los Angeles Lakers. Last offseason, James declined his option to become a free agent where he re-signed with the Lakers on a two-year, $104 million contract that also contained a no-trade clause. The current expectation is for James to pick up his option for $52.6 million in 25-26.

"I'm told he's likely to opt-in," "That's likely. That's the plan. His option day is June 29th. There's going to be some hard conversations between him and the Lakers. LeBron James, whether he plays one more season or a few more seasons, he wants to be in a competitive environment."

James and the Lakers could sign an extension off his current contract as opposed to being a free agent. The Lakers also hope to acquire a center this offseason and then will present Luka Doncic an extension offer in August.

James, who is represented by Rich Paul, averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists at the age of 40 for the Lakers. James was also an All-NBA Second Team selection.

Via Shams Charania/ESPN

Shame he doesn't want to win, anymore. Oh well.

Ian Scuffling wrote:Shame he doesn't want to win, anymore. Oh well.

Agreed, if he wanted to win he would resign for 10 or 15 million less so the team can sign some solid Vets for depth. The Lakers won't win as constructed right now but who knows!

Sounds like a farewell tour.

nguyen925 wrote:

Ian Scuffling wrote:Shame he doesn't want to win, anymore. Oh well.

Agreed, if he wanted to win he would resign for 10 or 15 million less so the team can sign some solid Vets for depth. The Lakers won't win as constructed right now but who knows!

10 or 15mil left wouldnt do anything he needs to sign for 30mil less to free up space for a mid level exception.. Is there a player worth doing that for and it would be one player only.. Also lakers have been unwilling to upgrade there role players via trade for several seasons now so why should he at this point?

The Lakers are disappointed

LeBron should opt out and re-sign for the veteran minimum of $3.3M +. He doesn't need the money, but the team does. If he was truly committed to winning one last title, this is the route to take...but he isn't, so he won't.

nguyen925 wrote:

Ian Scuffling wrote:Shame he doesn't want to win, anymore. Oh well.

Agreed, if he wanted to win he would resign for 10 or 15 million less so the team can sign some solid Vets for depth. The Lakers won't win as constructed right now but who knows!

He signed for $15 Mill or $50 Mill they would still be over the cap and wouldn't get a star player.

Vegeta10176 wrote:

nguyen925 wrote:

Ian Scuffling wrote:Shame he doesn't want to win, anymore. Oh well.

Agreed, if he wanted to win he would resign for 10 or 15 million less so the team can sign some solid Vets for depth. The Lakers won't win as constructed right now but who knows!

10 or 15mil left wouldnt do anything he needs to sign for 30mil less to free up space for a mid level exception.. Is there a player worth doing that for and it would be one player only.. Also lakers have been unwilling to upgrade there role players via trade for several seasons now so why should he at this point?

True... Lebron was also better than Luka in the playoffs. It would make no sense for Lebron to sacrifice millions of dollars just to help his team build around his replacement. I think he would rather just retire. They aren't winning anything next season either way.