LeBron James has a massive $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season, but the four-time champion is reportedly prepared to decline it. While this decision could make him a free agent as early as this summer, reports suggest his commitment remains with the Los Angeles Lakers.
NBA insider Brett Siegel recently revealed that James is willing to take a pay cut. The intention is to allow the Lakers to maneuver their salary cap situation and build a stronger roster around Luka Doncic. This move could be crucial in helping Los Angeles maintain competitiveness in the ever-evolving Western Conference.
“LeBron will likely opt out of his $50.6 million player option, but he is not expected to leave Los Angeles, league sources told ClutchPoints. This has been James’ strategy through the years, signing those unique “1+1” contracts which give him and the Lakers flexibility to adjust their cap numbers accordingly,” Siegel reported.
(@BrettSiegelNBA)
— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) March 28, 2025
LeBron James will likely help the Lakers this off season with a pay cut to add talent around Dončić.#LakeShow
“LeBron will likely opt out of his $50.6 million player option, but he is not expected to leave Los Angeles, league sources told ClutchPoints. This… pic.twitter.com/szLMjLYYoA
By freeing up cap space, LA can bring in more high-level role players or another star-caliber talent to support Doncic. Since joining the Lakers, Luka has been providing James with significant relief on the court. Hence, a sacrifice for Luka in the paycheck can be easily expected from the four-time NBA champs.
Kendrick Perkins Raises Concerns About LeBron James’ Health
LeBron James recently returned to the court after missing two weeks due to a groin injury. But his performance since then has raised concerns about his health. Former NBA player and analyst Kendrick Perkins addressed LeBron’s condition on First Take, expressing serious doubts about his physical state.
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“Here’s the most important thing: LeBron James is not healthy. I think he’s probably about 70, 75 percent. So again, we’re talking about. A time where you’re supposed to be peaking going into the postseason, and the Lakers are trending backward. My sources are telling me he’s not healthy,” Perkins said.
While James has played in four games since his return, his struggles have been evident, particularly in his shooting efficiency. The 40-year-old has only made a single three-pointer in those contests and is averaging just 17.7 points per game.
