“Contracts don’t bother me”: LeBron James commits to the Lakers as he eyes the 2025-26 NBA title

Ending weeks of speculation surrounding his NBA future, LeBron James has officially opted into his $52.6 million player option, confirming his return to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025–26 NBA season.

The decision secures LeBron’s eighth season in the purple and gold and reaffirms his status as the cornerstone of a franchise still chasing championship aspirations. At 40 years old, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer continues to defy time, anchoring the Lakers both on and off the court while navigating what could be the final years of his storied career.

LeBron addressed the media for the first time this offseason, and while he confirmed his short-term commitment, he remained noncommittal about his long-term plans.

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“It will have no impact. I’m super excited about the challenges and the excitement of our team,” James said when asked if contract talks would affect his performance.

“We added some new guys. We’ve got another year under our belt with our coaching staff. I’ve got a full year with Luka [Dončić] and another year with the guys I’ve been with. So I’m super excited about that.”

While he remains a headline attraction, LeBron made it clear that contracts aren’t a driving factor at this stage of his career.

“I’m not worried about contracts at this point. That doesn’t bother me at all. I’m just super humbled to still have one and to be able to play the game I love at this stage. I’m taking full advantage of it.”

LeBron James:

“I’m not worried about contracts. That doesn’t bother me at all. Super humble to even have a contract still”

h/t @ohnohedidnt24 pic.twitter.com/tvNgDVsE8Y

— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) September 29, 2025

The Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Dončić midseason reinvigorated their campaign, with the dynamic duo leading the team to a third-place finish in the Western Conference standings. However, despite a promising regular season, Los Angeles fell short in the playoffs, exiting in the first round after a five-game series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Dončić’s seamless on-court chemistry with LeBron gives Lakers fans hope heading into the new season, and LeBron himself is focused on fostering a culture of consistency and accountability.

“We have to be detailed every day. The Western Conference is a gauntlet, and the league is tough,” LeBron emphasized. “We have to be sharp in all facets of the game — offense, defense, preparation. That doesn’t always result in wins, but if we’re playing championship basketball every day, we’ll be in a good place.”

Still recovering from a Grade 2 MCL sprain suffered during last season’s playoffs, LeBron acknowledged the physical toll of an 82-game season but remains committed to the challenge.

“That’s always the challenge — how can I get my body close to 100 percent?” he said. “The foot has been bothering me at times over the last few years, but I’m working through it. I’m not where I want to be yet — but that’s okay. I don’t want to peak in September. I’ve got time, and I’m looking forward to the process of getting there.”

Despite the wear and tear, LeBron is preparing for another full campaign with a focus on sustaining elite performance, even as the question of retirement looms.

As the oldest active player in the NBA, LeBron acknowledged that the end is near, but insisted his love for the process remains intact — for now.

“For me, it’s about whether I’m still excited by the process. Am I still motivated to prepare my body and mind for a full season? When I stop loving the process, I’ll know. That’ll probably be the end for me.”

For now, however, LeBron is locked in for another season — and the Lakers, once again, will go as far as their living legend can take them.

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