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Lakers Fans Upset After LeBron James' Reported Career Decision

LeBron James delivered another impressive season for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024-25, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists—numbers that earned him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team and a sixth-place finish in MVP voting.

Despite James' standout play, the team fell in the first round of the playoffs, and his groin injury in April raised questions about the long-term approach of their star-led strategy. With the deadline for NBA player options set for Sunday, focus has shifted to James’ contract situation.

While rumors swirled that James would pick up his $52.6 million player option, some Lakers fans hoped he might reconsider this decision and take a pay cut to free up cap space for additional support around him and Luka Doncic.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23).

Multiple fans and analysts suggested he could help the team chase another ring by adjusting his salary. However, a new report from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin on Saturday confirmed that James is still expected to pick up his player option for the 2025-26 season, which will limit LA's team-building options.

McMenamin noted: “The only mechanism the Lakers are projected to have in free agency is the taxpayer midlevel exception, worth $5.7 million, because James is expected to pick up the final year of his contract for $52.6 million.”

Fans have reacted strongly to the news.

One wrote, “40 year old billionaire that wants Luka to rot with him until he retires.”

Another added, “You’re telling me a billionaire who’s 40 can’t take a Vet Minimum so it can help his team sign players to win another ring?”

“This is why he’ll never win another ring,” another fan concluded.

“He's so selfish man, he has never been a team player,” another fan critiqued.

“The most uncompetitive GOAT we have. Give me Jordan everyday of the week,” a fan mentioned.