LeBron James formally opts in for a 23rd season, will make $52.6M, source says
LeBron James has made it official – he will be exercising his $52.6 million option with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 season, solidifying his place in NBA history as the first player to play a remarkable 23rd season. This decision was confirmed by a source familiar with the matter on Sunday, although neither James nor the team has publicly announced it yet.
Reports from ESPN and The Athletic were the first to break the news of James’ option exercise. This move comes after the basketball superstar recently returned to the court for workouts following a knee ligament sprain in the Lakers’ last playoff game. James had previously indicated his readiness for training camp, hinting at his intention to continue playing and surpass Vince Carter’s record for the longest NBA career by a player.
In an interview earlier this month, James expressed his commitment to recovering from his injury and ensuring he is in prime condition for the upcoming season. With this latest decision, any lingering doubts about his return for another season have been dispelled. James, the oldest player currently in the NBA, now has career earnings of approximately $580 million, making him one of the highest-earning players in the league’s history.
The upcoming season will mark James’ first full year playing alongside Luka Doncic, who joined the Lakers from the Dallas Mavericks in a trade last February. Despite their postseason exit in the first round this year, the Lakers are looking to bounce back with a strong showing in the next season.
As James approaches his 41st birthday in December, he continues to defy age and maintain his All-NBA status. With 21 All-NBA selections in his 22 seasons, James is a true basketball legend. His impressive stats from the previous season, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists, highlight his enduring excellence on the court.
Having played in 1,562 regular-season games, James is closing in on Robert Parish’s record of 1,611 games – the most in NBA history. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, James is on track to surpass this milestone in the upcoming season, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever grace the basketball court.
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