LeBron James will become the first player in NBA history to play in 23 seasons when he returns to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025-26.

James, the NBA's career leading scorer, is exercising his US$52.6 million player option for the upcoming season, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN on Sunday.

It is not immediately known if James, 40, desires to play past the upcoming season.

"LeBron wants to compete for a championship," Paul told ESPN.

"He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.

"We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him."

James, who has played in 1,562 regular-season games, is 50 shy of breaking Hall of Fame member Robert Parish's NBA record.

James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 70 games in 2024-25 to rank in the top 22 in each category.

He is a 21-time All-Star, four-time league MVP and four-time NBA champion.

James entered the NBA as an 18-year-old after being selected No. 1 in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. (Reuters)