LeBron James Expected To Stay With LA Lakers For 2025-26 Season: Report

Last Updated:July 17, 2025, 21:15 IST

LeBron James is expected to stay with the Lakers for the 2025-26 season, despite rumors. He picked up his $52.6 million player option.

LeBron James is reportedly set to stay with the Lakers (AFP)

`Despite the endless rumours and speculation, LeBron James is expected to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers for the upcoming 2025–26 NBA season.

A report from The Athletic states that no discussions have taken place between the Lakers and James regarding a trade or contract buyout. Additionally, there are no signs indicating that James is seeking an exit from the franchise.

LeBron Opts In for Eighth Season in L.A.

Last month, James picked up his $52.6 million player option, confirming his return for what will be his eighth season with the Lakers.

However, for the first time in his storied career, James is expected to play a secondary role. The Lakers’ new centerpiece is Luka Dončić, acquired in a blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks in February. Dončić is now widely seen as the franchise’s primary offensive weapon heading into the new season.

Rumors Sparked by Agent’s Statement

Fueling recent rumors was a cryptic remark from James’ longtime agent, Rich Paul, who said last month:

“We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career."

The statement triggered speculation that James might seek a new team or a buyout. However, any potential trade would be logistically complicated. Due to NBA salary cap rules, a team trading for James would need to send back contracts with similar financial value.

According to The Athletic, the Lakers are reluctant to acquire a player with a contract in the $50 million range unless it expires after the coming season. Once James’ contract ends next summer, his salary will be off the books, providing the Lakers with greater financial flexibility.

Still Elite in Year 23

James, who turns 41 in December, is heading into his record-setting 23rd NBA season. He has played 1,562 regular-season games, just 50 games shy of breaking Hall of Famer Robert Parish’s all-time NBA record for most games played.

In the 2024–25 season, James continued to perform at an elite level, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists across 70 games — ranking in the top 22 of each statistical category league-wide.

James is a 21-time NBA All-Star, four-time league MVP, and four-time NBA champion. He holds the NBA’s all-time scoring record with 42,184 regular-season points, and has a staggering 50,473 points when combining regular-season and postseason totals.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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