Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The retirement chatter has surrounded James the past few years, which he officially squashed when he announced he’d return to the Lakers in 2023 at the ESPYs and again returned last season on a two-year, $104 million contract. This all came after James said in 2022 that his last season in the NBA would be with his son Bronny.

As the Los Angeles Lakers enter the offseason, one of the biggest questions around the team is what the future holds for star forward LeBron James. James has a player option for $52.6 million, and many are expecting him to opt into the deal.