Basketball superstar LeBron James is pictured with former teammate Kyle Kuzma and model Winnie Harlow in a new set of photos.
In the world of basketball, the Los Angeles Lakers are facing an interesting transition period as they prepare for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The star player at the centre of this change is none other than LeBron James, who has exercised his player option to remain with the team for one more year.
Currently enjoying his offseason in St. Tropez, LeBron's future with the Lakers beyond the 2025-26 season remains uncertain. With 22 seasons under his belt, LeBron is facing a unique situation in his career - a lack of control over where he will play and how much longer he will play. His contract includes a no-trade clause, giving him significant control over potential moves.
The Lakers, understanding the significance of LeBron and his family's decision, have emphasized the importance of respecting their choice. The team's General Manager, Rob Pelinka, has even expressed that retiring as a Laker would be a "great" outcome.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have been actively shaping their future. They recently signed Luka Dončić to a three-year, $165 million max extension, positioning him as the new face of the franchise. This move signifies a shift in leadership, creating an "awkward" dynamic for LeBron, who must now decide how much longer he wants to continue playing and whether he aims to finish his career with the Lakers or seek a contender elsewhere for a final championship run.
LeBron's former teammate, Kyle Kuzma, is also present in St. Tropez, along with Savannah James. Kuzma, who played with LeBron for three seasons, has recently been traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.
As the dialogue between LeBron's camp and the Lakers remains open and constant, fans and insiders alike are eagerly waiting to see how this story unfolds. Will LeBron choose to continue his storied career with the Lakers, or will he seek a new challenge with a contending team? Only time will tell.
One thing is certain, though - the 2025-26 season is set to kick off on Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors, and LeBron James will be a part of it. As for the summer of 2026, LeBron remains a free agent, adding another layer of intrigue to his future with the Lakers.
[1] LA Times [2] ESPN [3] Sports Illustrated [4] NBA.com
Sports rumors swirl around LeBron James' future with the Los Angeles Lakers beyond the 2025-26 season, as his contract includes a no-trade clause. [LA Times, ESPN, Sports Illustrated]
The NBA's Los Angeles Lakers aim to retain LeBron James for a championship run, but his decision about his future beyond the 2025-26 season remains uncertain. [NBA.com]
