If the Los Angeles Lakers want to be contenders next season, they still need LeBron James on the roster. Although the franchise may have long-term dreams centered around Luka Dončić, the current team has little chance of playing meaningful basketball in late May or June without LeBron — even at age 40.
In his 22nd NBA season, LeBron put up All-NBA numbers, averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game — a testament to his continued dominance.
While both LeBron and his agent, Rich Paul, have publicly said no final decision has been made about next season, league insiders widely expect him to return. NBA insider Shams Charania went a step further on The Pat McAfee Show, reporting that LeBron is “likely” to opt into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season.
> “I’m told he’s likely to opt in,” Charania said. “He’s got a player option worth about $54 million. That’s the plan. But the final decision is still up in the air — he has until June 29 to decide. There are important conversations ahead between LeBron and the Lakers about what this team will look like. Whether it’s one more season or several, LeBron wants to be in a competitive environment.”
Charania added that opting in would give LeBron and the Lakers flexibility — they could negotiate a one- or two-year extension, possibly filled with player options.
There’s also a storybook element if next season is LeBron’s last: It would be his 23rd season (fitting for No. 23), and the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend will take place in Los Angeles. But despite the poetic symmetry, LeBron is still performing at a top-10 level in the league — there’s no pressure for him to walk away.
Whenever LeBron does decide to retire, it won’t be quietly. Unlike Tim Duncan’s low-key exit, LeBron’s final season is expected to be a celebration — giving fans a chance to appreciate one of the greatest to ever play.
Until then, all eyes are on June 29 — the deadline for LeBron’s decision. Once that’s settled, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and the front office can shift their focus to bolstering the roster, especially by adding a defensive-minded, vertical-spacing center and more wing depth.
Whatever comes next, LeBron’s impact on the league — and the Lakers — remains massive.
