LeBron James is coming back for one more season.

On Sunday (June 29), ESPN's Shams Charania reported that James is picking up his $52.6 million player option with the Lakers for the 2025-26 season. It would be James’ 23rd season in the league, the most ever in the history of the NBA.

Rich Paul, James' longtime agent, confirmed his client's intentions but also expressed uncertainty about his future with the team.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship," Rich Paul told ESPN. "He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”

"We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career,” the statement continued. “He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive, and want what's best for him.”

James is not set to play a full season with Luka Dončić, who was traded in a blockbuster deal from the Mavericks in a three-team trade that involved Anthony Davis. After a 50-32 season and being one of he favorites to contend in the Western Conference, they were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs 4-1.

In his 22nd season, James was still one of the best players in the league at 40. averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists.

Next season, James will enter his eighth year with the  Los Angeles Lakers, which is the longest tenure with one team in his career.