As expected, LeBron James will not enter free agency as he approaches his age-40 season. The generational superstar picked up his contract option on Sunday to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 season, locking him into a $52.6 million salary for next year. However, the decision came with a strong message (and a bit of a warning) from James's agent, Rich Paul.
Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania that James would pick up his option for the upcoming season and avoid free agency, but he still fully expects to compete for a championship even if the Lakers have to start building for the long-term.
