LeBron James Makes History: Opts In For Record 23rd NBA Season With Lakers

LeBron James is set to etch his name further into the NBA history books, becoming the first player ever to compete in 23 seasons. The basketball icon has officially opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, ensuring his return to the Los Angeles Lakers. This monumental decision solidifies his unparalleled longevity in a league where few players achieve such sustained excellence.
The move, confirmed by Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul to ESPN, underscores James’s unwavering desire to contend for another championship. Paul emphasized that “LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” acknowledging the Lakers’ dual challenge of building for the future while maintaining a competitive roster now. This ambition remains a driving force for the superstar, even as he approaches his 41st birthday in December.
The Lakers organization fully understands James’s priorities at this stage of his illustrious career. Paul highlighted the “very appreciative partnership” with the Lakers’ ownership and executives, recognizing their role as “a critical part of his career.” The mutual understanding revolves around making every remaining season count for James, who values a “realistic chance of winning it all.”
Beyond his incredible longevity, James continues to perform at an elite level. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged an impressive 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists across 70 games. The NBA’s career leading scorer, a 21-time All-Star, four-time league MVP, and four-time NBA champion, is also just 50 games shy of breaking Robert Parish’s all-time regular-season games played record.