LeBron James Expected to Decline Player Option and Sign 2-Year,
Los Angeles, CA – May 16, 2025
In what could be one of the most significant contract decisions of the NBA offseason, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is widely expected to decline his $51.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season and instead re-sign with the Lakers on a new two-year deal worth an estimated $105 million, league sources confirmed on Thursday.
The decision, while not yet official, is seen as highly likely by league insiders and has already sent shockwaves across the NBA landscape. James, who will turn 41 in December, continues to defy age and expectations with his high level of play, and this new deal would not only make him one of the highest-paid players in NBA history but also ensure he remains the face of the Lakers for at least two more seasons.
A Strategic Financial Move
By declining the player option and signing a new two-year contract, James stands to gain significantly both financially and strategically. The proposed $105 million deal averages out to approximately $52.5 million per season—just above the value of his current option—and could include a player option or trade kicker to give him greater control over his future.
This structure would mirror similar deals made by other top-tier players like Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard in recent years, offering maximum earnings while maintaining flexibility.
James’ agent and business partner Rich Paul of Klutch Sports has not commented publicly on the matter, but sources close to the situation say the Lakers and James are aligned in their vision moving forward. The mutual goal: keep the championship window open while navigating the transition period as James approaches the twilight of his legendary career.
Legacy and Loyalty to Los Angeles
LeBron James joined the Lakers in 2018, signing a four-year deal after leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time. Since then, he has added to his already iconic legacy, leading the team to an NBA Championship in the 2019-2020 season—the Lakers’ 17th title, tying them with the Boston Celtics for the most in league history.
Despite a series of injury setbacks and fluctuating team performance in the years since, James has remained a consistent force on the court. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, proving he is still among the NBA’s elite.
James has frequently expressed his admiration for the Lakers organization and the city of Los Angeles, citing its legacy, culture, and significance in basketball history as major reasons behind his continued commitment.
“I came to L.A. not just to win basketball games but to be a part of something bigger,” James said in a recent post-game interview. “This city, this franchise, it means something. And I want to keep building on that legacy.”
The Bronny Factor
An additional layer of intrigue surrounds James’ contract decision: his son, Bronny James. After spending one year at USC, Bronny declared for the 2025 NBA Draft and is expected to be selected in the late first or early second round. LeBron has made no secret of his desire to play alongside his son in the NBA, famously stating, “Wherever Bronny is, that’s where I’ll be.”
If the Lakers are able to acquire Bronny, whether via trade or the draft, this would mark a historic father-son pairing in the NBA—a feat never before accomplished at this level.
There is growing speculation that part of the rationale behind LeBron’s contract structure is to ensure he can align his remaining playing years with Bronny’s development in the league. A two-year deal gives the elder James flexibility to remain in L.A. or make a move, if necessary, to be with his son.
While Bronny’s professional future is still uncertain, the possibility of the James duo sharing the court in Lakers gold and purple is a tantalizing prospect for fans and a potential ratings bonanza for the league.
Lakers’ Perspective: A Calculated Investment
From the Lakers’ point of view, re-signing LeBron James at this stage is both a basketball and business decision. James remains their most marketable and productive player, and his presence ensures the team remains relevant on the court and in global conversations about the NBA.
Team executives reportedly see James’ new deal as an investment not just in performance, but in brand, stability, and potential recruitment. With the salary cap set to rise significantly in the coming years, locking in James at $52.5 million per season is considered a justifiable price for the benefits he brings.
Additionally, the Lakers are focused on roster improvement this offseason. With James likely returning and Anthony Davis under contract through 2028, the franchise has a core to build around. General Manager Rob Pelinka is expected to be active in free agency and trade talks, seeking to bolster the team’s shooting, depth, and perimeter defense.
Reactions Around the League
News of James’ potential new deal has already sparked reactions from across the NBA world.
Former teammate and current ESPN analyst Dwyane Wade tweeted, “Bron still getting the bag AND still got game. Salute to the KING.”
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, when asked about the potential extension, responded, “LeBron’s earned the right to do what he wants. If he wants to keep going, it’s up to the rest of us to keep up.”
Even rival team executives expressed admiration for James’ longevity and strategic maneuvering. “There’s never been a player like him,” one anonymous GM said. “He’s not just great—he’s smart. And he’s always one step ahead.”
Looking Ahead
Assuming the deal goes through as expected, LeBron James would remain a Laker through the end of the 2026-27 season, barring trade or early retirement. By that time, he will be 42 years old and likely the oldest active player in the league. If he maintains his current level of production, James could further cement himself as the greatest to ever play the game, adding even more milestones to a career already filled with them.
He currently sits atop the NBA’s all-time scoring list, having surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in early 2023. He ranks top five in assists, top ten in steals, and holds a slew of postseason records. A fifth NBA title, should it come in the next two years, would only further solidify his standing in the annals of basketball history.
Whether it’s leading a playoff push, mentoring young players, or making NBA history with his son, LeBron James continues to be the central figure in the sport. And if this contract extension materializes, he’ll be doing it all as a Laker.
Conclusion
While official confirmation from LeBron or the Lakers is still pending, all indications suggest the King is here to stay in Los Angeles. For Lakers fans, that means at least two more years of greatness, and perhaps, a few more unforgettable chapters in one of the most storied careers in sports.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will remain on Los Angeles—not just for what LeBron James decides, but for what it might mean for the next generation of Lakers basketball.
