SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season

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SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season 

Post#1 » by Johnny Tomala » Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:19 pm

Read on Twitter


Read on Twitter


https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45608010/lebron-james-picks-526m-option-monitoring-lakers-moves

No surprises, LBJ won't take a paycut.
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Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season 

Post#2 » by JB2 » Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:22 pm

No pay cut for the 2nd option
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Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season 

Post#3 » by Bornstellar » Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:22 pm

Their team just got bought by the new owner for $10 billion. I wouldn't take a paycut either
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Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season 

Post#4 » by 316Hornets » Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:25 pm

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.
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Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season 

Post#5 » by syrus3 » Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:31 pm

Should’ve retired years ago but here we are.
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Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season 

Post#6 » by LordCovington33 » Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:33 pm

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
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Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season 

Post#7 » by Slimjimzv » Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:36 pm

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."
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Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season 

Post#8 » by The Master » Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:36 pm

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.
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Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season 

Post#9 » by The4thHorseman » Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:38 pm

OP, a Boston fan, crying that James didn't take a pay cut


:lol:
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Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season 

Post#10 » by Slimjimzv » Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:39 pm

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.
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Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season 

Post#11 » by DowJones » Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:40 pm

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.
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Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season 

Post#12 » by djsunyc » Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:42 pm

i think this is lebron's last year in LA.
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Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season 

Post#13 » by magee » Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:45 pm

JB2 wrote:No pay cut for the 2nd option


You mean third option, behind Austin Reaves.

(Narrator: Wink.)
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Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season 

Post#14 » by JB2 » Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:49 pm

I think full article should be posted bc on full read, there does seem to be the groundwork laid for an LA exit.
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Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season 

Post#15 » by benson13 » Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:52 pm

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. :o
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Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season 

Post#16 » by Airmiess » Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:53 pm

Rich Paul sounds like he's seeking a trade.
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Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season 

Post#17 » by JujitsuFlip » Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:56 pm

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.
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Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season 

Post#18 » by Johnny Tomala » Sun Jun 29, 2025 4:00 pm

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.
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Re: SHAMS: LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season 

Post#19 » by basketballRob » Sun Jun 29, 2025 4:02 pm

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 

Post#20 » by JB2 » Sun Jun 29, 2025 4:03 pm

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.

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