LEBRON James isn’t quite ready to retire yet.
The NBA legend will play at least one more season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
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LeBron James is set to opt into the last year of his contract with the Los Angeles LakersCredit: Getty
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James will earn $52 million on the final year of his contractCredit: Getty
ESPN reporter Shams Charania made an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show to discuss the upcoming NBA offseason.
During his discussion, Charania spoke about James‘ contract situation.
James has a player option added on to the end of his contract with the Lakers.
If he accepts the option, he will play the 2025-26 season on a $52 million contract.
Charania feels that James is leaning towards accepting this option.
“I’m told LeBron James is likely to opt in,” Charania said.
“He’s got a massive player option and that’s the plan.
“He still has about a month to figure that out”
With the way James is playing, he might extend his career further beyond the 2025-26 season.
At 40 years old, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game.
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Both his rebound and assists averages for the year were higher than his career averages.
James was named to the All-NBA second team this year.
He also finished sixth in MVP voting.
NBA fans have mixed opinions about James’ payday, with some feeling he should have taken a pay cut for his age-41 season.
They shared those thoughts on social media.
2025 NBA Playoff matchups
Western Conference:
First Round:
No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs No. 8 Memphis GrizzliesNo. 2 Houston Rockets vs No. 7 Golden State WarriorsNo. 3 Los Angeles Lakers vs No. 6 Minnesota TimberwolvesNo. 4 Denver Nuggets vs No. 5 LA Clippers
Western Conference Semifinals:
No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs No. 4 Denver NuggetsNo. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves vs No. 7 Golden State Warriors
Western Conference Finals:
No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves
Eastern Conference:
First Round:
No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs No. 8 Miami HeatNo. 2 Boston Celtics vs No. 7 Orlando MagicNo. 3 New York Knicks vs No. 6 Detroit PistonsNo. 4 Indiana Pacers vs No. 5 Milwaukee Bucks
Eastern Conference Semifinals:
No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs No. 4 Indiana PacersNo. 2 Boston Celtics vs No. 3 New York Knicks
Eastern Conference Finals:
No. 3 New York Knicks vs No. 4 Indiana Pacers
“Right move for LeBron,” one fan said.
“He has no choice but to opt in if he wants to stay in LA,” another fan said.
“He should opt out take less money and help them get pieces to help them win for his final year,” a third fan said.
“LeBron not worth 52 million a year. That’s insanity” a fourth fan said.
“He’s playing for his legacy at this point. Why not take a pay cut to help the Lakers add pieces?” a fifth fan said.