Lakers star LeBron James has exercised his $52.6-million option as expected. He is poised to become the first NBA player to compete during 23 seasons.

LeBron James will pick up his $52.6 million player option to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers next season, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN. While James remaining in Los Angeles next season was a given, this decision ends months of speculation about what sort of contract he would return to the Lakers on.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, his agent Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania on Sunday.