LeBron James is set to return to the Los Angeles Lakers next season, exercising his $52.6 million player option, according to multiple reports on Sunday. The move signals his intent to make another run at a fifth NBA championship.
Both ESPN and The Athletic confirmed that James, a four-time NBA MVP who turns 41 in December, is closely monitoring the Lakers’ offseason roster decisions as he gears up for a historic 23rd NBA season — which would break the all-time record he currently shares with Vince Carter.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” said his agent, Rich Paul, in an interview with ESPN.
“He understands the Lakers are building toward the future, but he also values a realistic shot at winning now. It’s a tough balance, and we’re carefully evaluating what’s best for him at this stage of his life and career. He wants every remaining season to matter — and the Lakers are fully supportive of that.”
James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, has not yet revealed whether the 2025–26 season might be his last. He’s just 50 games away from breaking Robert Parish’s record of 1,611 career regular-season games played.
Recently, James shared a video of himself back in the gym, marking his first workout since injuring his left knee during the Lakers’ playoff loss to Minnesota.
Last season, James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game. Over his career, he holds averages of 27.0 points, 7.4 assists, and 7.5 rebounds. His legendary résumé includes 21 NBA All-Star selections and four championships — two with Miami (2012, 2013), one with Cleveland (2016), and one with the Lakers (2020).