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LeBron James exercised his options in the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday as he appears to be in the final stages of his lengthy NBA career.
Cruch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN James’ decision. The player’s choice is reportedly worth $52.6 million, which will be his eighth season in Los Angeles.
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The Lakers forward Lebron James was in the Utah Jazz Game in Los Angeles on February 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
James played 70 games in the 2024-25 season. This is his second year of at least 70 games. As the Lakers have recently remembered, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game.
Los Angeles has a shrewd trade for Luka Doncic, the industry sends Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. Doncic and James will now have more time to join forces and at least once again compete in the NBA championship. The Lakers were 50-32 last season, third in the Western Conference but were ousted in the first round of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Paul told ESPN that James wanted to win and would closely monitor the Lakers’ moves to build a squad.
“LeBron wants to compete for the championship,” he said. “He knows the Lakers are building development for the future. He knows that, but he values the real-life opportunity to win everything. We are so grateful for our eight-year partnership with Jenny (Buss) and Rob (Pelinka) and Rob (Pelinka) and Rob (Pelinka) and see the Lakers as a key part of his career.
Lakers forward Lebron James shot in Game 5 of the first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Los Angeles on April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
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“We understand the difficulties of winning in preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what is best for LeBron in his life and career. He wants to keep each season away, the Lakers understand, it is supportive and want what works best for him.”
For James, it will be 23 years. He has four championships, four NBA MVPs and 21 All-Star Picks.
He opened up how much he paid in his interview with the Associated Press earlier this month, seeing his family as one of the main reasons why he continued to play football. Bronny James is the Lakers organization and Bryce James will play in Arizona. Meanwhile, Zhuri James turned his attention to volleyball.
“They are like ‘Dad, keep dreaming. It’s your dream. Keep your attention. You’re always here to serve us.” “When you get this support… it makes it a lot easier.” ”
James also seems to be interested in the possibility of playing with Bryce James and Brownie.
The Lakers deduct Lebron James as the Denver Nuggets, April 27, 2024 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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“At this point of my career, you think when will it end. That’s human nature,” he said. “You think: this year or next? At this point of this journey, these thoughts always spread to your mind. But I didn’t give it a specific schedule, date. I see how my body and my family react too.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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