Welcome to Tate Sports

Tate Sports

James may reject player options and sign contract with the Lakers

5:13pm, 18 May 2025Basketball

According to an article by Nico Martinez, US Sports F/W, LeBron James will not retire and plans to sign a new two-year contract with the Lakers. After losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the series, the entire basketball world has been waiting for the latest news about LeBron James' career future. The entire Western Conference is up to his decision, but it is not easy for the 21-time All-Star. Most of the players at the age of 40 have now left, but the latest intelligence suggests he plans to stay this summer and renegotiate a short-term two-way contract worth $105 million.

"He has $52.6 million in player options next season and someone may be interested in simply choosing it. If he makes it clear that it will be his last tour, the Lakers can celebrate every step of his season's farewell trip, which will conveniently include an All-Star game in Los Angeles," wrote Zach Barkley of Bleacher Report. But maybe he is not interested in giving it so much of the end result. His son Bryce James may qualify for the draft in 2026. It would be incredible that LeBron had worked with Brownie James long enough, but working with his two sons would certainly have some appeal. Find James to give himself a little wiggle room, then turn him down and re-sign with the Lakers on a two-year, roughly $105 million contract and offer player options in the second season. ”

He has reached an unprecedented level in the NBA. Over the past 22 years, he has dominated the league with 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.4 assists and 50.6% shooting percentage. James has achieved his highest aspirations after making history with his son Brownie last season, and he has nothing to prove at any level.

For years, James has been hinting that he may retire and fans have been preparing for the inevitable moment when LeBron finally leaves. However, for now, LeBron is still active in the NBA, and it seems increasingly likely that he hasn't finished his last season. With 5260, the 2025-26 season The $10,000 player option, James will likely opt out and become a free agent so he can re-sign a new two-year contract that will be extended into 2027. This way, LeBron can control his NBA future without losing a penny of hard-earned money.

More importantly, James can aspire to play with his youngest son, Bryce James. The young player will qualify for the 2026 NBA Draft, the Lakers can try to pick it so he can reunite with his brother and dad in Los Angeles. All he has to do is pick a college and put in the work so he can win his place, just as Brownie did on his way to the Lakers.

This will be a historic moment in the league and a surprising achievement for LeBron, who has been around long enough to be teammates in the NBA with his sons. If the Lakers can win the championship in the process, it will be the perfect script for a historic NBA career.

Links: