With the deadline approaching, LeBron James is widely expected to pick up his $52.6 million player option with the Lakers for the 2025-26 season, sources tell ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

James has reportedly considered retirement each summer since 2023, but is now preparing to play a record-setting 23rd NBA season. A source familiar with his thinking tells ESPN that while he hasn’t decided if it will be his last, he’s not entering it with “any certainty” that he’s ready to walk away.

The Lakers, meanwhile, have a second player option situation developing. Forward Dorian Finney-Smith, acquired midseason and viewed as a trusted piece by new head coach J.J. Redick, is interested in returning.

But, according to ESPN, he may explore the open market if it becomes clear Los Angeles won’t commit to a long-term deal.

Finney-Smith, 31, has options: opt in and extend, opt out and re-sign, or opt out and leave. If the Lakers lose him, they would open up the $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception — a key resource in a thin free agent market.

If he and LeBron both return on their current deals, the team would only have access to the $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level.

Lakers Notes

— Austin Reaves Extension: The Lakers recently offered Austin Reaves a four-year, $89 million extension, knowing full well he’d decline. The offer was more of a gesture than an expectation. Reaves can opt out next summer, and both sides remain motivated to strike a new deal when that time comes.

— Ownership and Luka Doncic: Star guard Luka Doncic reportedly views the Lakers’ new majority owner, Mark Walter, as a major positive. “You always want the wealthiest owners,” a source close to Doncic told ESPN. “And his track record speaks for itself.”
Doncic remains driven by how things ended in Dallas and is fully engaged in offseason training and nutrition, per McMenamin. Lakers assistant Greg St. Jean will join Slovenia’s coaching staff this summer for EuroBasket — a sign of continued ties between Doncic and the organization.

— Center Search Ongoing: The Lakers continue to search for frontcourt help. President of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said Thursday the team has been “super active” and is “turning over every stone” to find a solution at center. Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton and Portland’s Robert Williams are among the trade targets L.A. has internally discussed dating back to last season, per McMenamin. Other previously linked names remain on the radar.