After picking up a $52 million player option with the Lakers, the dominant storyline this NBA offseason is likely to be where LeBron James will be playing next season.

James will pick up his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season as the Lakers look to rebound from a second straight first-round playoff exit and build around Luka Doncic.

LeBron James opted into the $52.6 million player option in his contract to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers next season, agent Rich Paul announced.