Lakers star LeBron James will return to the team after exercising his $52.6 million option for the 2025 -26 NBA season.

interestingly, enough, though adding additional years to the deal, apparently wasn’t on the table for LeBron.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, sources within the team have indicated that, “James and the Lakers did not discuss deals that would have added years to his Lakers tenure that began in 2018, either by way of extension or with him opting out and signing a new deal.”

The 2025 season will mark LeBron’s 23rd year in the NBA, where he will surpass Vince Carter for the most seasons played.