LeBron James adopting new playing style to boost Lakers in 2025–26 season

Los Angeles Lakers icon LeBron James will make history once again after exercising his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season. At 40 years old, the four-time NBA champion becomes the first player in league history to reach 23 seasons, surpassing Vince Carter’s all-time mark of 22.

James, who has built a legendary résumé featuring four championships, numerous accolades, and the NBA’s all-time scoring record, is now adjusting his game as he enters the twilight of his career. With the Lakers shifting their offensive focus toward Luka Dončić, James has been working on becoming more effective off the ball.

“James has focused, sources say, on making himself more dangerous off the ball. He has spent time getting more comfortable catching and shooting offensively and has spent even more time getting his body ready to focus more of his energy on the defensive side of the ball as Doncic will handle the primary offensive load,” ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin reported.

Irwin also downplayed the chances of James leaving Los Angeles before his contract expires, noting that the front office has no interest in pursuing a deal.

“Sources close to the team made it clear all summer no trade exists that would make them a better team, let alone one that James would waive his no-trade clause for. Pelinka is also kicking off the Luka Doncic era and would not want to do so with a worse roster than he finished the year with last season.

This summer was weird in that there was a ton of speculation about LeBron’s future but I heard consistently that at no point was he ever close to leaving. The reality is: he and the Lakers very much need each other, so here’s my season preview with that in mind 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽

— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) August 27, 2025

“Trading James would have almost assuredly led to this outcome. For his part, league sources also indicated Doncic did not want James traded, but also understood James needing to figure out what was best for him the last couple seasons of his career,” he added.

Meanwhile, ESPN reported that James and his agent, Rich Paul, also recognize the complications surrounding any potential move.

“It has been radio silent since James, via his agent Rich Paul, attempted to rattle the Lakers’ cages immediately after exercising his $52.6 million player option for this season. The all-time leading scorer and his camp understand just how complicated a trade involving him – at his age, making that much money, with contractual right to veto any deal – would be,” the outlet stated.

For now, James remains committed to the Lakers as he embarks on a record-breaking 23rd season. What happens after 2026 remains uncertain, but the NBA’s all-time scoring leader continues to push the boundaries of longevity in professional basketball.

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