LOS ANGELES — The King is staying in the City of Angels.
LeBron James has officially re-signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, picking up his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 NBA season, just ahead of Sunday’s deadline. The move, which had long been anticipated, was confirmed by Spotrac and marks yet another chapter in the storied career of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and most accomplished active player.
This deal solidifies James’ commitment to the Lakers while keeping his future flexible. With the option now exercised, LeBron remains under contract with Los Angeles for another season, retaining the no-trade clause he negotiated last summer. He will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026, when he’ll be 41 years old.
Historic Earnings Milestone
By accepting the $52.6 million deal, LeBron James will surpass $581 million in career earnings from playing contracts alone—an all-time NBA record. Off the court, James’ endorsements and business ventures have already made him a billionaire, according to Forbes, making him the wealthiest player in league history. This new contract adds another layer to his legendary financial legacy.
Could LeBron Have Made More?
Yes—and that’s where things get interesting.
James’ $52.6 million contract represents an 8% raise over his $48.7 million salary from last season. However, it still comes in slightly under the absolute maximum he could have earned. Based on a projected 2025–26 salary cap of $154.6 million, LeBron’s maximum salary would have been roughly $54.1 million, or 35% of the cap.
This slight discount echoes last offseason, when LeBron took a reduced salary to help the Lakers avoid the punitive “second apron” luxury tax threshold. It’s a strategic move that gives the team more financial flexibility in free agency and trade scenarios.
LeBron’s Contract Scenarios: What Comes Next?
While LeBron’s return for the 2025–26 season is now certain, his long-term future is still open to interpretation. There are three notable directions his journey could take beyond this season:
1. One-Year Extension Option: James could still renegotiate and sign a one-year extension during the upcoming season to remain in LA even longer.
2. Free Agency Flexibility: If he wants to reassess his future, especially if he intends to play with his son Bronny James—drafted by the Lakers in 2024—he’ll have that flexibility as an unrestricted free agent next summer.
3. Retirement Consideration: While there’s no indication he’s slowing down significantly, age and physical demands may eventually force a decision.
JJ Redick, Fans React
New Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised LeBron’s decision to stay, calling it a “testament to his loyalty, leadership, and unrelenting desire to win.”
“Having LeBron committed for another year gives us stability and the highest level of competitiveness,” Redick said. “He’s the heart of this team.”
Lakers fans, meanwhile, erupted in celebration across social media, excited to see the NBA icon continue donning the purple and gold.
The Legacy Continues
With four NBA championships, 20 All-Star appearances, and an unrivaled list of accolades, LeBron James’ return to the Lakers is not just a contract update—it’s another step in one of the greatest careers in sports history.
And now, at age 41, the King is far from done.
As the 2025–26 season approaches, all eyes remain on LeBron—still writing history, still defining greatness, and still chasing rings.
