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SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:19 pm
by Johnny Tomala
Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:22 pm
by JB2
No pay cut for the 2nd option
Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:22 pm
by Bornstellar
Their team just got bought by the new owner for $10 billion. I wouldn't take a paycut either
Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:25 pm
by 316Hornets
I'm guessing he'll sign a 2 year contract after this one for a discount. Announce last season 27-28, play in the Olympics, and then become part owner of the Lakers.
Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:31 pm
by syrus3
Should’ve retired years ago but here we are.
Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:33 pm
by LordCovington33
Bornstellar wrote:Their team just got bought by the new owner for $10 billion. I wouldn't take a paycut either
He didn’t pay $10b
Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:36 pm
by Slimjimzv
The quote by Rich Paul is interesting.
"LeBron wants to compete for a championship." 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 appreciate 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."
Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:36 pm
by The Master
syrus3 wrote:Should’ve retired years ago but here we are.
Yeah, can't believe this moron so cheap that he plays for 50 million a year and All-NBA accolades.
Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:38 pm
by The4thHorseman
OP, a Boston fan, crying that James didn't take a pay cut

Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:39 pm
by Slimjimzv
Also, LeBron is still a very good player, but the $52.6 isn't all about his on-court play. He sells. The Lakers will make far more money with him on the roster than with him off it.
Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:40 pm
by DowJones
I think it is very interesting that LeBron didn't get his standard "opt-out for a 1+1 PO" this time. I am sure he asked for it, but LA said no.
Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:42 pm
by djsunyc
i think this is lebron's last year in LA.
Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:45 pm
by magee
JB2 wrote:No pay cut for the 2nd option
You mean third option, behind Austin Reaves.
(Narrator: Wink.)
Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:49 pm
by JB2
I think full article should be posted bc on full read, there does seem to be the groundwork laid for an LA exit.
Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:52 pm
by benson13
316Hornets wrote:I'm guessing he'll sign a 2 year contract after this one for a discount. Announce last season 27-28, play in the Olympics, and then become part owner of the Lakers.
If he play until 2029 he could potentially play with the first players born in the 2010's. When he came into the league Kevin Willis was the oldest player born and was born in the 60's. So he would be able to say he's been in the league with guys born in six different decades.

Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:53 pm
by Airmiess
Rich Paul sounds like he's seeking a trade.
Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:56 pm
by JujitsuFlip
He's never played 8 consecutive seasons for 1 franchise, so we'll see if he stays on the Lakers.
Idk who can trade $52 million worth of contracts and still field a competitive team. Plus he has a NTC so he picks his destination.
Just play record breaking year 23 and decide if ya wanna retire or go elsewhere next summer.
Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 4:00 pm
by Johnny Tomala
JB2 wrote:I think full article should be posted bc on full read, there does seem to be the groundwork laid for an LA exit.
I've added the article.
Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 4:02 pm
by basketballRob
LeBron for Garland and Allen?
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Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 4:03 pm
by JB2
Re-reading and this feels like a typical LeBron/Klutch power play.
"Building for the future" is not what's happening. That would be a tear down. Building around Luka is what's happening and LeBron is throwing a fit.