- LeBron James extended his contract with the Lakers for one more year
- He will earn $52.6 million in what will be his 23rd NBA season
- The 40-year-old continues to break records alongside his son
Key Takeaways:
LeBron James has exercised his right to unilaterally extend his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers for one more season. The news was confirmed by ESPN, citing the player’s agent Rich Paul.
Breaking: Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James is opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN.
Paul adds: LeBron "knows the Lakers are building for the future … but he values a realistic chance of winning it all." pic.twitter.com/q5mT1O2R35
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2025
James, who will turn 41 in late December, will earn $52.6 million during the upcoming season, which will be his 23rd in the NBA. The forward is currently the league’s oldest active player and also holds the all-time records for both points scored and minutes played.
“LeBron knows the Lakers are building a team for the future, but he believes the team has a chance to contend as early as next season,” said Paul.
During the most recent campaign, the experienced player featured in 70 regular season games, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. It was the first season in which he averaged under 25 points per game since his rookie year with Cleveland back in 2003/04.
LeBron James’s achievements include four NBA titles, four Most Valuable Player awards, four Finals MVPs, 21 All-Star Game selections, and 21 appearances in the All-NBA Teams.
Last season, his son LeBron James Jr. also joined the Lakers roster, making history as the first father and son to appear together in an NBA game.