52.6 million a year, King James makes a decision to end the 1+1 contract model, and future choices have sparked heated discussions

On June 30, 2025, the NBA Western Conference trading market has once again caused a stir as the Western Conference champion Thunder made a series of key decisions, including sending Dillon Rance away, refusing to execute Ajay Mikonger's team options, and successfully renewing Jerin Wei. There is also new news on the Lakers - James decided to implement the player options for the 2025-26 season, which excited fans. However, the unusual way of signing contracts has also triggered many speculations from the outside world. Next, we will dig deep into the story behind this deal.

Photos are from the Internet

According to the famous reporter Shams, James's agent Ritchie Paul revealed that James will choose to execute the 2025-26 season's player option worth $52.6 million. This means that James will continue his career in the new season and continue to play for the Lakers.

2025-26 season will be James' 23rd NBA season, when he will become the first player in history to compete in his 23rd season.

Photos are from the Internet

In the regular season this season, James played in 70 games, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game, and also scored 1 steal and 0.6 blocks, with three shooting percentages of 51.3%, 37.6% and 78.2% respectively. In the playoffs, James played 5 games, averaging 25.4 points, 9 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2 steals and 1.8 blocks per game, with shooting percentages of 48.9%, 35.7% and 77.5% respectively in the three events.

It is worth mentioning that this time, James did not choose to sign a 1+1 contract as before, but directly executed the player option. This makes people wonder that the 41-year-old James may usher in his "last dance" - the new season may be the last season of his career.

Photos are from the Internet

Looking back at James' contract history, he signed a 2-year, $42.1 million 1+1 player option contract after returning to the Cavaliers in the summer of 2014. In 2015, he jumped out of the player option and re-signed a 2-year, $47 million 1+1 contract with the Cavaliers. In 2016, after the Cavaliers won the championship, James renewed a 2+1 contract of $100 million for three years. In 2018, as a free agent, James joined the Lakers and signed a four-year, $153 million contract (the last year is the player option). After the Lakers won the championship in 2020, James renewed a 1+1 contract of $85 million for two years. In 2022, he renewed the 1+1 contract of $97.1 million for two years, while in 2024, he renewed the contract with a 1+1 player option contract of $104 million for two years. The reason why James chose 1+1 contracts many times was to maintain flexibility and force the team to respond in strengthening. If he is not satisfied, he can choose to jump out of the contract and seek better opportunities. It is undeniable that James has made himself the best among the "workers" in this way, seeking the initiative for more NBA superstars, and setting a new industry benchmark.

Recently, James and his wife Savannah, Heat player Kevin Love and his wife Kate, as well as some close friends have dinner in New York. A dinner participant posted a video clip on Instagram where James can be heard saying, "Savana hopes I retire around next year." The photos are from the Internet, James is wearing the Lakers No. 23 jersey, and combined with these news, many people have begun to speculate that this season may be his last season. In response to this, netizens reacted strongly, and some people sighed: "If this is true, my youth will be over." Some fans even said: "James retired, and I won't watch the NBA." The photos are from the Internet

James decided to implement the player options for the 2025-26 season, which means that we can still continue to appreciate the wonderful performance of this legendary superstar in the new season. Although James did not choose the traditional 1+1 contract this time, but directly executed the player option, this decision undoubtedly made the outside world pay attention to whether this is the last dance of his career. No matter what, we still look at the moment and still look forward to this basketball legend continuing to contribute an unparalleled style to us in the new season. Dear fans, what do you think? Welcome to leave a message in the comment section to share your thoughts.