There has been no greater need for the Los Angeles Lakers over the last year than a legitimate center. It has been the most blatant hole on the roster and one that everyone and their mothers knew entering free agent absolutely had to be addressed for the team to ultimately get where they wanted to go,

Breaking: Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James is opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN. Paul adds: LeBron "knows the Lakers are building for the future ... but he values a realistic chance of winning it all." pic.twitter.com/q5mT1O2R35

LeBron James, 40, Makes Decision on NBA Future Amid Retirement Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the 2025-26 season with high hopes. With an offseason to build around recently acquired superstar Luka Doncic and a new ownership group on the horizon, the franchise's future is looking bright.