According to The Athletic, this marks the first time since 2010 that LeBron has not declined his player option in order to become a free agent, reflecting both how James understands his own market value as an aging player with the opportunity to play alongside his son, Bronny, who is entering his second year with the Lakers organization.

The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James do not appear to be on good terms currently. Plenty of reports have come out that suggest the two sides could part ways. Some think a trade might occur. Others simply think that James will play out the final season on his contract and either leave for another team or retire next offseason.

The Los Angeles Lakers have done one really weird thing since the public began speculating about a possible LeBron James trade. L.A. has yet to acknowledge publicly that James opted-in to his player option for 2025-26 to play the upcoming season for $52.