Open Extended ReactionsLos Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is exercising his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN on Sunday. "LeBron wants to compete for a championship," Paul told ESPN. In February 2024, after the Warriors inquired about trading for James before the Lakers, through Paul, told Golden State they were not interested, James expressed his desire to continue playing for the purple and gold. LeBron James, who is opting in for a 23rd NBA season, is keeping an eye on the Lakers' offseason moves. The Lakers are pursuing a center via free agency or trade, while forward Dorian Finney-Smith declined his player option Sunday, sources said.