NBA

LeBron James Has Lakers, NBA Scrambling

LeBron James opting in for his $52.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers could have a significant impact on the NBA this year and beyond.
LeBron James Has Lakers, NBA Scrambling
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James drives toward the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks in Los Angeles on Jan. 3, 2025. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Matthew Davis
|Updated:
0:00

LeBron James has an NBA-record 23rd season around the corner, and he could shake things up significantly, depending on how things play out with the Los Angeles Lakers.

James has opted for his $52.6 million player option with the Lakers, his agent Rich Paul told ESPN on Sunday. This means James will get paid that full amount for the 2025-2026 season, and he will become a free agent afterward.
Matthew Davis
Matthew Davis
Author
Matthew Davis is an experienced, award-winning journalist who has covered major professional and college sports for years. His writing has appeared on Heavy, the Star Tribune, and The Catholic Spirit. He has a degree in mass communication from North Dakota State University.