As Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James enters the offseason, the NBA world is buzzing about his next career move.
With a $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season (per Spotrac), LeBron faces a pivotal decision: stay the course or opt out to explore new possibilities.
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, writing on Wednesday, suggested James could decline his option.
“LeBron James has bucked the aging curve better than anyone in basketball history, but the 40-year-old won’t actually play forever,” Buckley wrote.
He may not be the planet’s best player anymore, but the fact that he remains a top 10-ish player at his age is astonishing. It also gives him some wiggle room should he decide to take his talents elsewhere.”
In other words, James’ remarkable longevity gives him leverage. Buckley noted, “He holds a $52.6 million player option for next season, and there could be some interest in simply picking it up. If he made clear this would be his last go-round, the Lakers could celebrate his every step on a season-long farewell tour, which would conveniently include an L.A.-based All-Star Game.
However, James may not be ready to call it quits. “Maybe he’s not interested in putting that much finality to it, though,” Buckley added. “Not with his son, Bryce James, potentially becoming draft-eligible in 2026. LeBron lasting long enough to team up with Bronny James is incredible, but suiting up alongside both of his sons would certainly hold some appeal.”
Buckley predicted that James will opt out and re-sign with the Lakers on a two-year, roughly $105 million deal with a player option for the second year.
This structure offers flexibility, allowing James to chase a fifth ring while keeping the door open to play with Bryce.
The Lakers, eager to maximize James’ twilight years, would likely welcome this plan, especially after a lackluster playoff showing.
Opting out could also spark interest from teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers or Miami Heat, but James’ family ties and L.A.’s market make staying put the likeliest outcome.
