James’ agent Rich Paul announced in June that his client was exercising his 2025-26 player option, which is worth roughly $53 million. Furthermore, the Lakers have also embraced the idea of building the team around All-Star guard Luka Doncic, who is only 26, while James is 40.

Here is what the Lakers look at as their 'widely presumed preferred scenario' for the situation with LeBron James.