LeBron James is entering his 23rd NBA season, and for the first time in his legendary career, he finds himself in a contract year. The 40-year-old forward picked up his $52.63 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025–26 season, but after this campaign, he will become an unrestricted free agent. At Lakers media day, LeBron made it clear that his uncertain contract status won’t distract him from the task at hand.
“No, it will have no impact, you know. I’m super excited about the challenges and the excitement of our team. We added some new guys. We got another year under our belt with our coaching staff from last year. Got a full year with Luka and another year with the guys that I’ve been with.”
“So super excited about that, and I’m not worried about contracts at this point. That doesn’t bother me at all. I’m super humbled to even have it, you know, have a contract still and be able to play the game that I love still at this part of my career and take full advantage of it.”
It’s a remarkable perspective considering where LeBron is in his career. At nearly 41 years old, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds last season while shooting over 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from 3-point range. His production still ranks among the league’s elite, and his ability to maintain All-NBA-level play deep into his late 30s and 40s is something the game has never ever seen.
Still, the Lakers’ decision not to extend him earlier reflects the realities of roster-building. With LeBron James consuming such a large salary slot, the team wanted to maintain financial flexibility for future moves. Rich Paul, LeBron’s longtime agent, suggested this offseason that there were concerns about whether the Lakers were serious title contenders with the roster as constructed.
In response, GM Rob Pelinka added Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, and Jake LaRavia, while also securing Luka Doncic and head coach JJ Redick for the long term.
Whether this season becomes a farewell tour, a bridge to another Lakers contract, or the beginning of a new chapter elsewhere remains to be seen. What’s clear is that LeBron isn’t putting retirement plans or contract negotiations at the forefront.
The Lakers, meanwhile, face pressure to capitalize on his presence. A strong season could convince both sides to keep the partnership alive. But if things go sideways, the possibility of LeBron testing free agency looms large.
For now, though, LeBron James insists he’s locked in on the present, one more season to prove that even in a contract year at age 40, he’s still capable of carrying the weight of the Lakers brand and adding to his unmatched legacy.
