Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is reportedly exercising his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA campaign, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. However, the league's all-time leading scorer seems open to at least considering finishing his iconic career elsewhere.
James' longtime agent/business partner/friend, Rich Paul, shared a statement with Charania about the 20-time All-Star deciding to opt into next season. It read more like a soft trade request launch than excitement about their continued relationship with the Lakers, leaving many wondering what comes next.
Rich Paul's message on LeBron James player option decision raises eyebrows
"LeBron [James] wants to compete for a championship," Paul said (h/t Charania). "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 Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career."
Reflecting on and appreciating James' time with the Lakers after acknowledging the desire to add another ring to his collection? Not great, Bob! Paul recognizes that the still-stunning acquisition of Luka Dončić has altered the calculus for Los Angeles. But if the team suddenly can't appease "The King" because of this, a split could be on the horizon.
"We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future," Paul stated. "We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron [James] at this stage in his life and career."
Is there a real chance LeBron James leaves the Lakers?
If forced to bet yay or nay, we'd comfortably pick no, and James ultimately retires in purple and gold. Paul noted that he "wants to make every season he has left count," adding that the Lakers are cognizant and "supportive" of this. With that in mind, it's more likely that this was an attempt to dial up the pressure on L.A.'s front office ahead of free agency.
Let's not forget that James chose the Lakers in the summer of 2018, not the other way around. He didn't shy away from the fact that deciding to join them was done with his family in mind. The 40-year-old has multiple homes and a myriad of business endeavors in L.A. Things other than basketball factored into the move, which are still prevalent now.
Moreover, as basketball fans know, James' son Bronny is a member of the Lakers. The four-time champion presumably worked relentlessly behind the scenes to make this happen, considering his eldest child wasn't expected to get drafted. Would LeBron jeopardize his namesake's path to the Association for one last dance?