LeBron James, 40, Makes Decision on NBA Future Amid Retirement Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the 2025-26 season with high hopes. With an offseason to build around recently acquired superstar Luka Doncic and a new ownership group on the horizon, the franchise's future is looking bright.

Lakers star LeBron James has exercised his $52.6 million option as expected. He is poised to become the first NBA player to compete during 23 seasons.

The Lakers acquired Luke Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in February, but were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Paul told ESPN that James, 40, wants to make “every season count” from the upcoming one and beyond.