LeBron James is securing his bag and some critics say it could cost the Lakers another shot at a title.
According to a recent report from Sam Quinn of CBS Sports, LeBron is expected to opt into the final year of his contract, locking in $52.6 million for the 2025–26 season. While few would fault a 39-year-old for claiming what he’s earned, the timing, and impact, of that decision is drawing fire.
“It is not clear why, at this juncture, James has placed less of a priority on improving the Lakers roster,” Quinn wrote.
LeBron Opts In, Lakers Lose Flexibility
Last summer, LeBron helped the Lakers by signing a team-friendly two-year, $104M deal. This time? He’s going full max.
The problem? The Lakers are now tight against the NBA’s salary cap, and opting in may push them over the first tax apron, triggering a chain reaction of roster-building restrictions:
- No full mid-level exception ($14.1M)
- No bi-annual exception ($5.1M)
- No sign-and-trade flexibility
- Only the smaller taxpayer MLE ($5.7M)
Quinn summed it up bluntly:
“By far the simplest [way to stay under the apron] would be a sacrifice on James’ part.”
Roster Pressure After the Doncic Trade
LeBron’s contract decision comes just weeks after the Lakers made their biggest swing yet, trading for Luka Dončić in a blockbuster deal aimed at reigniting their championship hopes.
But building a deep, competitive roster around James and Doncic requires cap flexibility the Lakers may no longer have.
Critics argue that even a modest pay cut could have preserved the Lakers’ access to key tools and added depth. Instead, the team faces an uphill climb in a suddenly tight Western Conference.
Legacy vs. Leverage
LeBron has every right to maximize his earnings, especially in Year 22. But in a league where superstars often take less to win more, the move is stirring debate.
Is this just business? Or a missed opportunity to chase one more ring?
Either way, the Lakers’ margin for error just got a lot thinner.