Report: LeBron likely to pick up $52.6M player option
LeBron James plans to accept his $52.6-million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 season, ESPN's Shams Charania reported on the "The Pat McAfee Show" Tuesday.
James wants to have conversations with the Lakers about potential roster improvements, Charania adds.
His deadline to pick up the option is June 29.
The Lakers made a monstrous deal for Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic in February, sending a package including Anthony Davis the other way. The franchise went 18-10 with Doncic in the lineup, but was left with a massive hole at the center position after a trade for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams was nixed.
Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said after the defeat that the team will prioritize adding a center in free agency.
L.A. finished with a 50-32 record and was upset in Round 1 of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. James reportedly suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in the team's final contest.
The 40-year-old averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and a steal in 70 regular-season games for Los Angeles this campaign and was named to the All-NBA second team for his efforts.
James will set an NBA record for most seasons played at 23 if he suits up next season.