LeBron James contract, explained: Why 2025-26 season could be final year for NBA superstar with Lakers

LeBron James contract, explained: Why 2025-26 season could be final year for NBA superstar with Lakers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

LeBron James has his name written across many of the NBA's record books. Along with his on-court statistics, he has accumulated a wealth solely from the sport that no one else has. However, it has been speculated that this season very well may be King James' last.

Through 23 seasons and four championship rings in the league, time has finally begun catching up to the current Los Angeles Lakers star. He is still playing at a very high level, especially for his age, but with his current contract slated to expire following the 2025-26 playoffs, the question begs to be asked if he will finally close the page of the sport's longest career.

Even if he does not end his career this season, it is assumed James will call it quits sometime in the near future. Regardless, "The Kid from Akron" has made his name known to fans around the globe and that impact will live on far past when he walks off an NBA court for the final time.

Here's a look at the Laker star's contract and how it can show why this season may be LeBron's last.

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When does LeBron James contract end with Lakers?

After the current 2025-26 season, James' current contract will be up with the Lakers. He will become an unrestricted free agent, and the thought of that has sparked debate in NBA circles about whether or not the league's longest career will finally end.

If James does not call it quits after this season, it is assumed his next contract will be his last. However, the NBA has proven time and time again that anything is possible. It is unclear what James would move to after his career, whether that's staying in basketball as an announcer, podcaster, or owning a franchise.

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LeBron James contract details

In 2024, James signed a two-year, fully-guaranteed $101.35 million contract with Los Angeles. Per year, he has earned $50.67 million in each year on that deal.

James began his Laker career in 2018, signing a four-year, $153.31 million deal to join the team. In 2021 and 2023, he signed two maximum veteran extensions to remain with the Lakers.

MORE: Is LeBron James actually retiring after the 2025-26 season?

LeBron James free agency history

After spending his first seven seasons of his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, James became an unrestricted free agent for the first time in 2010. After discussing a move with numerous teams around the league, including the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, and Cavaliers, he brought his talents to South Beach to join the Heat. Despite being an unrestricted free agent, his move to Miami was technically a sign-and-trade deal. Cleveland earned the rights to five future draft picks from the Heat, according to the NBA.

This sparked massive outcry in the Ohio area, as many Cleveland fans were betrayed that James would leave his home state's team. The new Miami player won a championship during his time with the Heat in 2012, and followed up with a second ring after the next season.

In June 2014, James opted out of his contract with Miami and became an unrestricted free agent. He returned to Cleveland, the team that began his NBA journey. During the 2016 season, James finally delivered on his promise to bring the city their first professional sports title in 52 years.

Following the 2017-18 season, James opted out of his contract with the Cavaliers and became an unrestricted free agent once more. He signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on a four-year, $153.5 million contract and joined one of the most prolific sports franchises in the world. In the 2020 season, James won his fourth title of his career and Los Angeles' first since 2010. 

In every NBA Finals he won, James earned Finals MVP accolades (2020, 2016, 2013, 2012).

MORE: Revisiting LeBron James' iconic 'The Decision'

LeBron James career earnings

James has made a whopping $581.3 million in career earnings on the court, according to Spotrac. The Akron, Ohio native made his NBA debut in 2003 with the Cleveland Cavaliers and is still holding strong to this day.

The Laker has totaled the most career earnings across the NBA all-time, per Spotrac. Following James' $581.3 million is Kevin Durant, who has accumulated $501.1 million. After Durant, in the third spot is a teammate of his during his time with the Golden State Warriors, Stephen Curry. The sharpshooter has earned $470.1 million thus far.

Here is a look at how much money James has made during his tenures with each of the three teams he has suited up for.

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LeBron James net worth

As of May 11, James has a net worth of $1.4 billion, according to Forbes. He became the first NBA player to have a net worth exceeding $1 billion while they were still actively playing in the league. 

Off the court, James has ample sponsorships that have given him sources of revenue other than NBA contract earnings. Here is a list of his current sponsors:

• Amazon
• Beats Electronics
• DraftKings
• Fanatics
• LVMH Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy
• Mattel
• Nike
• Taco Bell
• Richard Mille

James held the title for the NBA’s highest-paid player for 11 years until this past October. His streak atop the leaderboard ended after Curry earned the top spot heading into the 2025-26 season. The Golden State star was projected to accumulate $159.6 million in pretax earnings. This number includes his playing salary and his annual income from endorsements and other business earnings, according to Forbes.