North American sports media outlet Bleacher Report analyzed the contract situation of 40-year-old LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The analysis showed that LeBron opted to pick up the 2025-2026 extension option.
This will be the first NBA season in his 23-year career starting on an expiring contract. Sources reveal LeBron expected a contract extension, but the Lakers were unwilling to offer one, prompting him to activate the extension option himself. The article suggests that it was not in his plans, since LeBron is the author of a book on how to effectively conduct negotiations.
Many in the league assumed LeBron sought a 1+1 deal (one guaranteed year plus an option to extend), but various sources confirm the Lakers never made a new contract offer.
LeBron joined the Lakers in August 2022 and last season averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists over 70 games.
