LeBron James is staying with the Los Angeles Lakers at least for now. The four-time NBA champion picked up his $52.6 million player option to return to the Lakers for an eighth season, which marks his longest continuous stint with any team in his career.

Philadelphia would retain its young core, which includes 2024 first-round pick Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. McCain was the frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award before sustaining a season-ending torn meniscus in December.

Amid serious speculation about LeBron James' future in Los Angeles, there is now an update about what's coming next.

Plus, notes and observations from Summer League about Damian Lillard’s reunion with Portland, league expansion and two rookies making a splash.

Should that be the case for James, it would align with how other legends ended their NBA careers. The late Kobe Bryant, for example, announced his retirement few weeks into his final season and was honored by fans and franchises league-wide throughout the year.

NBA Legend Tracy McGrady Takes Stance on LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony Debate originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

LeBron shared how he always aspired to inspire young basketball players, especially when he played against them in offseason runs.