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

[Johnny Tomala]

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

No surprises, LBJ won't take a paycut.

[JB2]

No pay cut for the 2nd option

[Bornstellar]

Their team just got bought by the new owner for $10 billion. I wouldn't take a paycut either

[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.

[syrus3]

Should’ve retired years ago but here we are.

[LordCovington33]

Their team just got bought by the new owner for $10 billion. I wouldn't take a paycut either

He didn’t pay $10b

[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."

[The Master]

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.

[The4thHorseman]

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

[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.

[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.

[djsunyc]

i think this is lebron's last year in LA.

[magee]

No pay cut for the 2nd option

You mean third option, behind Austin Reaves.

(Narrator: Wink.)

[JB2]

I think full article should be posted bc on full read, there does seem to be the groundwork laid for an LA exit.

[benson13]

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.

[Airmiess]

Rich Paul sounds like he's seeking a trade.

[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.

[Johnny Tomala]

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.

[basketballRob]

LeBron for Garland and Allen?

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[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.