LeBron James has a player option worth $52.6 million for next season to return to the Los Angeles Lakers. The leading scorer in NBA history would become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declined his 2025-26 player option.

NBA superstar LeBron James is expected to return for the 2025-26 season, but it may not be with the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron James suffered a left knee injury after colliding with the Minnesota Timberwolves' Donte Dincenzo during the Los Angeles Lakers' season-ending Game 5 loss on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. The injury is a Grade 2 MCL sprain with an anticipated recovery time of between three and five weeks, per McMenamin.