ESPN reporter Shams Charania reiterated on Tuesday that LeBron James is likely to exercise the $52.6 million player option for the 2025/26 season. If so, he will continue to play for the Los Angeles Lakers next season.

There have been rumors recently that James may return to the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer. However, Shams Charania denied this on ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show. He said: "From what I know, James is likely to choose to exercise his huge player option. This is the plan of both parties. However, he must make a decision before June 29, so he still has about a month to consider it."

Shams further pointed out that after exercising the player option, James can choose to renew his contract or regard this season as the curtain call of his career: "The 23rd season corresponds to the No. 23 jersey. The 2025 All-Star Game will also be held in Los Angeles. If everything really develops in this way, it will be a very dramatic ending. In any case, the final decision is still in his hands."

Shams also predicted that LeBron James will communicate with the Lakers management about the current lineup: "He and the Lakers management will have some difficult conversations to evaluate the team's composition and competitive prospects. Whether LeBron James plays another season or several seasons, he hopes to be in a competitive environment."