LeBron James continues his career with Lakers and aims for another title at 40
Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
LeBron James (6’8″, 40) isn’t hanging up his sneakers just yet. According to ESPN, through his agent Rich Paul (of Klutch Sports), the four-time NBA champion has decided to activate his player option worth $52.6 million to play a 23rd season in the League, continuing with the Los Angeles Lakers. At 40, the iconic forward maintains his motivation: competing for the title.
Full ESPN story on LeBron James exercising his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season and what it means for his Los Angeles Lakers future: https://t.co/dG42VHUSkz
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2025
Still ambitious, LeBron James extends the adventure
By activating his final contract year with the Lakers, LeBron James continues his legendary career and enters his 23rd NBA season, a record. Already the League’s all-time leading scorer, the former Cleveland and Miami player has nothing left to prove, yet remains driven by the desire to win.
« LeBron wants to compete for a title, » his agent Rich Paul told ESPN. « He understands the Lakers are building for the future, but he also wants a realistic chance to win now. We appreciate the partnership with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka], and the Lakers are an essential part of his career. »
A decisive season in Los Angeles
While uncertain about how many seasons he has left to play, LeBron James wants each one to count. He could even break Robert Parish’s regular season games record (1,611), being just 50 appearances away. Also notable: he’ll become the only player to have played 23 NBA seasons come October, surpassing Vince Carter.
But more than statistics, it’s collective ambitions that guide his decision. Eliminated in the first round of the 2025 playoffs by Minnesota, James had expressed his frustration: « Every season where I don’t make the Finals or win the title is a disappointment. »
Lakers roster still under construction
With J.J. Redick now on the bench, the Lakers are preparing a more competitive roster around their star duo LeBron James – Luka Doncic. But uncertainties remain. James stays attentive to summer moves, particularly in the search for a center, an identified need for several months but still unfilled.
When asked about the subject, the Akron native preferred to deflect: « No comment. AD said what he thought, he was traded the following week. »
The desire to play with Bronny still present
In July 2024, the Lakers selected Bronny James (6’2″, 20) with the 55th pick in the Draft. A historic moment that LeBron hoped to experience. Now united in the same franchise, father and son were the first to share an NBA court together.
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