According to ESPN's Shams Charania, LeBron James plans to pick up his player option for 2026, worth about $52.5 mil. 

While Shams noted there's still time for things to change, this appears to be the most likely outcome for LeBron and the Lakers. And in some ways, it's the most expected, given the options. While there was always the dream (pipe dream, really) that James might leave about $20 mil on the table so that the Lakers would have access to a larger mid-level exception, that's always felt like a longshot. It's also always been unlikely that James would decline the option and leave for somewhere like Cleveland or Golden State (which would cost him about $40 mil, at least). But the idea James would decline his option, then sign another 1+1 with the Lakers, giving him control until after the 2026-2027 season? 

That was always a live possibility. 

So among the realistic outcomes, this one was the best for LA, and arguably for James as well. We explain why. 

How the Lakers move forward, with some certainty around LeBron, is an interesting question. If the Lakers return the same group and make reasonable improvements at center, they'll be a good squad. But good enough to win the West? Can they make those types of improvements in one offseason, with limited resources? 

Would they be smarter to wait for next summer? That's up to Luka. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: LeBron is expected to pick up his option. 

SEGMENT 2: Why that's good for LA. 

SEGMENT 3: Gap year for the Lakers? That's up to Luka.

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