LeBron James, 40, will extend his legendary NBA career into a 23rd season—the longest in league history—after activating a $53M Lakers contract option
LeBron James will return for an unprecedented 23rd NBA season after exercising his $53 million (£41 million) player option with the Los Angeles Lakers, his agent Rich Paul confirmed. The 40-year-old, already the league’s all-time leading scorer (42,184 points), now aims to surpass Robert Parish’s games-played record (1,611) and chase a fifth championship.
“He knows the Lakers are building for the future,” Paul told ESPN. “He values a realistic chance of winning it all… [and] wants to make every season he has left count.” James currently shares the longevity record with Vince Carter (22 seasons).
Drafted by Cleveland in 2003, James won titles with Miami (2012, 2013) and the Cavaliers (2016) before leading the Lakers to the 2020 championship. His latest extension ensures he’ll continue playing alongside son Bronny, drafted by Los Angeles in 2024—marking the NBA’s first active father-son duo.