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LeBron James Opts Into 2025–26 Season, Poised for 2026 Free-Agency Pursuit

He exercised his $52.6 million player option for one more year with the Lakers; league executives expect his June 2026 unrestricted free agency to attract bids from Cleveland, Dallas and Golden State.

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter of Game Four of the First Round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on April 27, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
LeBron James could reunite with Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler if he becomes a free agent after his contract with the Lakers expires. (Photo by Ethan Miller / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
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Overview

  • Opting into his $52.6 million player option commits him to the Lakers for 2025–26 and preserves his no-trade clause.
  • Despite turning 40, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists across 70 regular-season games last year.
  • An anonymous NBA executive told DallasHoopsJournal.com that Cleveland, Dallas and Golden State are lined up to court him once he hits unrestricted free agency.
  • The Dallas Mavericks roster features Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, the only former teammates he’s won NBA titles with.
  • ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith urged a third stint in Cleveland, arguing the Cavaliers offer his best path to another championship.