LeBron James Opts In for 23rd NBA Season

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has decided to exercise his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. This move will make him the first player in NBA history to compete in 23 seasons, according to reports from international media outlets.

James, already renowned as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, had been contemplating his player option for the approaching season.

Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul stated in a recent interview that James aims to contend for another championship but also acknowledges and respects the Lakers’ long-term strategies.

“LeBron is focused on pursuing a championship. He is aware of the Lakers’ plans for the future and values the chance to win,” Paul commented.

“We deeply appreciate our eight-year partnership with Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka. We consider the Lakers a vital part of his career.”

“We recognize the challenges of winning now while simultaneously building for the future. We want to assess what is best for LeBron at this point in his career. He wants to maximize every remaining season, and the Lakers are supportive of this goal.”

James is approaching Robert Parish’s NBA record of 1,562 regular-season games and needs just 50 more to reach this milestone.

During the 2024-25 season, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists across 70 games, securing a position in the top 22 for each of these statistics.

A four-time NBA champion, four-time league MVP, and 21-time All-Star, James entered the NBA at age 18, selected first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.