The King reigns on: LeBron James opts into $52.6m Lakers contract for 23rd NBA season

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"LeBron James Exercises $52.6 Million Contract Option for 23rd NBA Season"

The King reigns on: LeBron James opts into $52.6m Lakers contract for 23rd NBA season analysis cover image The Guardian 8.2
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/29/lebron-james-lakers-contract
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LeBron James has officially opted into his $52.6 million player option for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season, marking a historic milestone as he prepares to become the first player in league history to play for 23 seasons. This decision comes as James, who is set to turn 41 in December, continues to solidify his legacy as the NBA's all-time leading scorer. His agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, expressed that while James is committed to competing for another championship, he is also aware of the Lakers' efforts to build a competitive team for the future. Paul emphasized the importance of the partnership between James and the Lakers, highlighting the mutual respect and understanding of the challenges involved in balancing immediate success with long-term planning.

As James gears up for this unprecedented season, he remains a pivotal figure in the league, having played 1,562 regular-season games and being only 50 games away from breaking Robert Parish's record. In the previous season, he demonstrated his enduring skill and versatility by averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, ranking in the top 22 in each category. His accolades include being a 21-time All-Star, a four-time league MVP, and a four-time NBA champion, showcasing his remarkable impact on the sport since being drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. As he approaches this new chapter in his storied career, both fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how James navigates the challenges of aging while still striving for excellence on the court.

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Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/29/lebron-james-lakers-contract

LeBron James will become the first player in NBA history to play in 23 seasons when he returns to theLos Angeles Lakersin 2025-26.

James, the NBA’s career leading scorer, is exercising his $52.6m player option for the upcoming season, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paultold ESPN on Sunday. It is unclear if James, who turns 41 in December, intends to play past the upcoming season.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with [Lakers ownership and executives] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”

James, who has played in 1,562 regular-season games, is 50 shy of breaking Robert Parish’sNBArecord.

James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 70 games in 2024-25 to rank in the top 22 in each category. He is a 21-time All-Star, four-time league MVP and four-time NBA champion.

James entered the NBA as an 18-year-old after being selected No 1 in the 2003 draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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Source: The Guardian