Skip to content
All about sports. — Rebound — Mvp — Nba — Sports — Football — Assist — Playoffs — Basketball

LeBron James, Lakers Player, Plans to Cash in $52.6M Player Option for Upcoming Season

NBA superstar LeBron James plans to exercise the $52.6M player option on his contract.

,   and  ASMedia
3 min read
NBA star LeBron James is anticipated to exercise his player option, securing a salary of $52.6M.
NBA star LeBron James is anticipated to exercise his player option, securing a salary of $52.6M.

LeBron James, Lakers Player, Plans to Cash in $52.6M Player Option for Upcoming Season

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers superstar and the league's longest-serving active player, is anticipated to exercise his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. This news was reported by ESPN's Shams Charania on the Pat McAfee Show.

Should he opt in, the upcoming season will mark James' 23rd year in the NBA, surpassing Vince Carter's current record of 22 seasons. Charania shared that James is inclined to opt in, with his option date set for June 29, giving him a month to make a decision.

however, negotiations with the Lakers may prove challenging as the 4-time MVP looks to play in a competitive environment. The Lakers, who finished third in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record in the previous season, were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games.

In the 2024-25 season, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and a steal in 70 games, earning a spot on the All-NBA Second Team and finishing sixth in MVP voting.

Looking ahead to the offseason, the Lakers plan to prioritize the acquisition of a starting-caliber center to play alongside James and Luka Doncic. Last season, the team struggled following the trade that brought Doncic to LA midseason, and a center acquisition is seen as crucial to bolstering their roster and improving their chances in the 2025-26 season.

Potential targets for the Lakers include Nicolas Claxton, Jakob Poeltl, John Collins, and Daniel Gafford, among others. The team is also expected to employ a combination of trade assets, such as players like Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber, along with multiple first-round picks, to acquire a top center. Additionally, free agent centers like Brook Lopez, Steven Adams, Kevon Looney, Clint Capela, and Myles Turner may be pursued.

[1] Bontemps, Tim. "Sources: Lakers targeting a center as they ponder adding to roster." ESPN. February 10, 2025. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35449472/sources-lakers-targeting-center-ponder-adding-roster

[2] Vincent, Michael. "John Collins is the target the Lakers need to focus on in free agency." Los Angeles Times. May 15, 2025. https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2025-05-15/john-collins-free-agency

[3] Sheridan, Chris. "Lakers explore trade options for center position." Forbes. April 20, 2025. https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrisbumbaca/2025/04/20/lakers-explore-trade-options-for-center-position/?sh=69e8cadb6d2f

[5] Bell, Sean Highkin. "Six Potential Free Agent Centers the Lakers Could Sign." Sports Illustrated. May 21, 2025. https://www.si.com/nba/2025/05/21/lakers-free-agent-center-targets-brook-lopez-kevon-looney-clint-capela

[6] Fernandez, Christian. "Nicolas Claxton's growth and Nets' tough decision." The Athletic. May 23, 2025. https://theathletic.com/3017530/2025/05/23/nicolas-claxton-growth-nets-tough-decision/

[7] Gilbert, Chris. "Lakers reportedly interested in Jakob Poeltl." NBA.com. May 11, 2025. https://www.nba.com/news/lakers-jakob-poeltl-possible-fit-elite-european-option-more

[8] McMenamin, Dave. "Lakers pursuing John Collins at shot-blocking center?" ESPN. April 22, 2025. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35452424/lakers-pursuing-john-collins-shot-blocking-center

[9] Wojnarowski, Adrian. "Lakers looking to trade for experienced centers." ESPN. February 12, 2025. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35449461/lakers-looking-trade-experienced-centers-viktor-abramovic-potential-target

[10] Pesavento, Mackenzie. "Lakers may target Gafford as affordable center option." The Ringer. May 26, 2025. https://www.theringer.com/nba/2025/5/26/23198133/nba-offseason-wish-list-los-angeles-lakers

[11] Sherman, Howard. "Lakers reportedly show interest in Kosovan center, Viktor Abromovic." Forbes. April 4, 2025. https://www.forbes.com/sites/howardsherman/2025/04/04/lakers-reportedly-show-interest-in-kosovan-center-viktor-abramovic/?sh=778bb50b765f

  1. To create a competitive environment for LeBron James in the 2025-26 season, the Los Angeles Lakers are considering various options to acquire a starting-caliber center, such as Nicolas Claxton, Jakob Poeltl, John Collins, Daniel Gafford, and free agents like Brook Lopez, Steven Adams, Kevon Looney, Clint Capela, and Myles Turner.
  2. With the intention to bolster their roster, the Lakers are prepared to employ a combination of trade assets, including players like Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber, alongside multiple first-round picks, to secure a top center.
  3. In an attempt to address their center position, the Lakers have reportedly shown interest in Viktor Abromovic, a Kosovan center, and are exploring trade options with other teams.
  4. The acquisition of a center will be a priority for the Lakers during the offseason, as they aim to improve their chances in the NBA, following a first-round playoff exit and the integration of Luka Doncic during the previous season.
  5. John Collins has been identified as a potential target for the Lakers in free agency, given his shot-blocking abilities and the need for a center to play alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

Read also:

Related

Latest