LeBron James likely to agree on major contract commitment with Lakers, per report | Sporting News

The Los Angeles Lakers' 4-time NBA champion and future Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee LeBron James' immediate future has remained somewhat uncertain for the franchise.

While the legendary 21-time All-Star has mulled retirement, it's been all-but-confirmed that he'll return for an unprecedented 23rd campaign.

In an effort to further confirm James' intentions with regard to his future, recent reports have indicated that he could put pen to paper on a gargantuan $52.6 million player option this summer to remain with the franchise for at least one more season.

"I'm told he's likely to opt in," ESPN's Shams Charania shared during a recent Pat McAfee Show appearance Tuesday.

"He's got a massive player option.

That's likely, that's the plan." "There's going to be some hard conversations that are going to happen between him (and) the Lakers, seeing what this team looks like." Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp "LeBron James, whether he plays one more season or a few more seasons, he wants to be in a competitive environment." Though he'll be entering his 23rd NBA season in 2025-26, James appears motivated to compete for a title alongside ex-Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic.

In 70 appearances throughout the 2024-25 regular season, James earned All-NBA Second Team honors by contributing 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists while boasting an impressive 37.6% shooting accuracy from distance and a 60.4% true shooting percentage.

With James likely to remain on the roster for at least one more year, the Lakers may have regained hope that the group can truly compete in a stacked Western Conference in 2025-26.

More NBA: Warriors' Draymond Green send messages to Steve Kerr on Golden State situation.

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