LeBron James remains active as a basketball player and becomes the first player to play 23 seasons in the NBA. The forty-year-old superstar will continue for another year with the Los Angeles Lakers, his business representative Rich Paul confirms on Sunday.
James had until Sunday to decide on an option in his contract. If that option were exercised, James would continue for another year for an annual salary of approximately 45 million euros.
This option is indeed being exercised, Paul has informed ESPN. “LeBron wants to go for the title,” says the CEO of the Klutch Sports Group, which handles James’ business interests.
“He understands that the Lakers are working on the longer term. But at the same time, he thinks they have a chance to win prizes next season.”
James is considered one of the best basketball players of all time and has been playing for the Lakers since 2018. In October, he can start his 23rd season in the American basketball league, a unique achievement in NBA history. Last season, James even played with his twenty-year-old son Bronny.
James in pursuit of fifth NBA title
However, the national title was not to be for father and son James and their teammates. The Lakers stumbled in the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ultimately, Oklahoma City Thunder took home the championship.
In 2020, James did win the NBA title with the Lakers, the fourth in his career. He won his first three national titles with Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers. In addition, he became Olympic champion with the American team in 2008, 2021 and 2024.