Explore the latest developments concerning LeBron opts in.
LeBron opts in for $52.6M, watching L.A. moves
Bobby Marks details the Lakers' offseason outlook, including what's ahead for LeBron James and Luka Dončić. (0:50)
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is exercising his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN on Sunday.
James, the NBA's career scoring leader, wants to compete for a championship next season and potentially beyond and will be closely monitoring the Lakers' moves and whether the team is positioning itself this offseason to field a title-contending roster, Paul said.
"LeBron wants to compete for a championship," Paul told ESPN. "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.
Pre-FA Rumors: LeBron, Ayton, Knicks, Kennard, Rozier
Despite the fact that Rich Paul‘s statement accompanying LeBron James‘ opt-in on Sunday raised eyebrows around the NBA, that doesn’t mean that there are any active trade talks involving the Lakers star, NBA insider Chris Haynes said during an appearance on NBA TV (Twitter video link).
“(Paul) told me there have been no trade discussions, there have been no trade talks with the Lakers,” Haynes said. “People have been speculating on certain teams that he might be interested in. I’m told all that talk is false. There has been no trade talks.
“… He clearly opted in and he wants to win. He believes the Lakers have what it takes to maximize Luka (Doncic)‘s timeline, but also maximize and prioritize his timeline.”
Jebao jecod wave maker New DMP Aquarium pump Smart Bluetooth App Control Freshwater Saltwater Fish Tank DMP-10/20/30/40
LeBron James trade rumors: Ranking all 29 teams as possible destinations if the King and the Lakers break up
For the past seven years, the interests of LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers broadly aligned. James rescued the Lakers from their post-Kobe Bryant odyssey. Even as he aged, James remained one of the best players in the NBA. Merely having him on their team opened a championship window. While the last few years were certainly shakier, the Lakers invested quite a bit into winning with James. They traded their young core for Anthony Davis (and won the 2020 title). They gave up their depth for Russell Westbrook and a first-round pick to get off of him when his acquisition failed. The partnership was obviously bumpy at times, especially in the post-Westbrook era, but it was productive. The Lakers won a championship and reached another Western Conference finals. It made sense for the two sides to continue investing in one another.
For more detailed information and comprehensive insights, explore recent updates concerning LeBron opts in.
For more news, visit: For more news…