Lakers' LeBron James makes his retirement plans official, for now

Billy Heyen

Lakers' LeBron James makes his retirement plans official, for now image

LeBron James is coming back for his 23rd NBA season.

The Los Angeles Lakers' 40-year old superstar has opted-in to his player option for the 2025-26 season, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

James will make $52.6 million in 2025-26.

He's not certain yet on his future beyond this season, according to Charania.

Previous reporting by ESPN's Dave McMenamin indicated the LeBron has considered retirement in each of the past three offseasons.

Now, he's only 50 games from breaking Robert Parrish's regular season games played record.

James will turn 41 years old in December. He'll get a chance to play his first full season with superstar Luka Doncic, who the Lakers acquired in February in a shocking blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks.

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It'll also be a chance for The King to play a second season with his son, Bronny, who may be looking at a larger rotation role in his second year in the NBA.

James has four rings and the all-time scoring record. His legacy as one of the best couple players the NBA has ever seen is firmly secure.

But he's coming back for more. Basketball and LeBron go hand in hand. 

And for at least one more season, James will grace the NBA with his magnificent presence.

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Billy Heyen

Billy Heyen is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is a 2019 graduate of Syracuse University who has written about many sports and fantasy sports for The Sporting News. Sports reporting work has also appeared in a number of newspapers, including the Sandusky Register and Rochester Democrat & Chronicle