India, July 6 -- LeBron James has decided to pick up his player option for the 2025-26 season, which will be his 23rd year in the NBA. He's set to play next season, but it's not confirmed if he will stay with the Lakers.

After the news broke out, his agent Rich Paul gave a statement to ESPN. He said LeBron still wants to win, but knows the Lakers may be planning for the future. "LeBron wants to compete for a championship," Paul told ESPN. "We know the Lakers are looking ahead to the future. We'll take time to assess what's best for him at this stage in his career."

Trade talk has followed LeBron in Los Angeles before. In 2024, the Warriors tried to get him before the trade deadline, but it didn't happen because he wanted to stay, accord...