LeBron James isn’t a free agent. He picked up his $52.6 million player option this upcoming season with the Los Angeles Lakers. On the surface, this should mean that there’s nothing to talk about, but things aren’t exactly business as usual for the star who spent 11 seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

LeBron James Sends 1-Word Message After Cavaliers Trade Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is entering his 23rd NBA season. Exercising his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 campaign, James bypassed the opportunity to become a free agent. That said, his Lakers future is anything but clear.