LeBron Exercises Option, Enters 23rd Season

LeBron James is entering a record 23rd NBA season after exercising his $52.6 million player option. At Lakers media day he said he doesn’t know when he’ll retire, calling it “a lot sooner than later,” and vowed to savor the season while remaining focused on competing now. He remains highly productive (24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists last season) and said his primary motivations are the love of the game and the chance to play a full season alongside Luka Dončić. The Lakers reshaped their roster this summer — including a three‑year, $165 million extension for Dončić and additions such as Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart — as they aim to compete now and give James a shot at a fifth championship. James said his retirement timing will be a personal decision made with his wife and daughter and that he’s “not waiting on Bryce,” with both he and the team focused on maximizing the present amid uncertainty after 2025–26.