LeBron James opted into his $52.6 million player option, keeping him in purple and gold for another run. The team signed Deandre Ayton on a two-year, $16.6 million deal, added Marcus Smart on a two-year, $11 million contract, and in August, Luka Doncic committed long term with a three-year, $165 million maximum extension.

The Los Angeles Lakers recently extended Luka Dončić, while hesitating to give LeBron James a similar commitment.

The Los Angeles Lakers have seen a lot this offseason. The franchise shifted its key focus to rising star Luka Doncic. Their core presence, LeBron James, is nearing a possible exit as he is in the final year of his contract. Now, the team will have to let go of one of its roster players from the league.

Some of the other giveaways for Lakers fans include a long-sleeve t-shirt, a Pechanga hat, a passport carrier, a Girl Dad Hat, shoelaces, and a beach bag. The Lakers also announced they would be unveiling a Pat Riley statue before the Feb. 22 game against the Boston Celtics.

NBA insider Rachel Nichols stated 'nobody should be surprised' if the Los Angeles Lakers win the NBA Championship in the 2025-26 season on the Open Floor podcas

A recent report revealed that LeBron James was a key factor in why the Los Angeles Lakers missed out an a two-time NBA champion during free agency in 2019.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ stance on roster improvements “has shifted” after NBA superstar Luka Dončić‘s play in EuroBasket, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic.