LeBron James isn’t going anywhere.

According to Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer is opting into his $52.6 million player option to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025–26 season.

While there had been speculation about free agency, Paul told ESPN that LeBron “values a realistic chance of winning it all,” even as the Lakers continue to balance building for the future.

At 40 years old, LeBron remains a top-tier player, averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds last season while still commanding respect as the league’s elder statesman. This move secures LeBron’s future in L.A. — at least for one more year — and puts pressure on the Lakers’ front office to deliver a title-contending roster.