LeBron James ‘Wanted’ Extension From Los Angeles Lakers This Offseason
NBA superstar LeBron James “wanted” an extension from the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, according to Yaron Weitzman of Bleacher Report.
The Lakers didn’t give James an extension, so the NBA legend picked up his 2025-26 player option worth $52.6 million.
James, 40, will become an unrestricted free agent next offseason for the first time since 2018.
“He obviously wanted an extension, and it’s also clear that the Lakers wouldn’t give it to him,” said one NBA source familiar with LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, via Weitzman. “That’s what he was reacting to.”
James joined the Lakers in 2018. He led the franchise to the 2020 championship against the Miami Heat at the Walt Disney World bubble.
LAL acquired Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks last season. For the first time in his legendary career, James is not the most important player on his team.
James is the oldest active player in the NBA. He turns 41 in December. The future Hall of Famer told Speedy Morman on 360 with Speedy that he will retire soon.
“I know I’m on the other side of the hump for sure,” James said. “I’m not about to play another 23 years. That’s for damn sure. And I’m not about to play another 10. So I’m definitely gearing up to where the end is. I’m not there yet, but I’m super blessed to be able to sit here, year 23, another signature shoe, I picked up golf.
“Listen guys, every time I pick up something new does not mean retirement. … But retirement is coming. It is coming. It’s just not here just yet.”
It will be fascinating to see if James retires after next season or chooses to play in 2026-27. The basketball icon averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks for the Lakers last season in 70 games. He finished sixth in MVP voting and made the All-NBA Second Team.
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