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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is exercising his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. This will be James eighth season with the Lakers.

In previous years, James has opted out of his contract, then signed a new two-year deal. Those contracts have always included a player option, to allow the superstar forward to evaluate his future year-to-year.

"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 Jeanie [Buss] and 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."

James' contract includes a no-trade clause. He's been unclear about his playing future beyond the end of this current contract.

Via Shams Charania/ESPN

Sure sounds like a subtext of "he might want to leave now (but I'm not giving up that bag)" but I don't understand the logic if so. Whatever, I'm talking out my rear end.

Nobody outside of LA cares.

deeps6x wrote:Nobody outside of LA cares.

Thats a damn lie, The NBA revolves around Lebron and everything he does or say. Hes by far the most important player in the NBA and had been since he entered the league. You must be a casual.

Thinking with the assumption that the Lakers would trade him to the team of his choice a trade of James for Towns would be great to the Knicks. Could be one or two memorable seasons chasing for that ring. The difficult part would be him wanting the Knicks

ReddOktober wrote:

deeps6x wrote:Nobody outside of LA cares.

Thats a damn lie, The NBA revolves around Lebron and everything he does or say. Hes by far the most important player in the NBA and had been since he entered the league. You must be a casual.

LeBron's going to ask to go back to CLE now that he sees the East is wide open.

Going to be something like Garland and Allen to LAL; Reaves, LeBron, and Bronny to CLE; and the Cavs dump Strus to BKN with a 2031 1st.

He will then publicly state he intends to play two more years to finish out his career.