LeBron James, the NBA’s oldest player, is seeking to extend his career into his age-42 season.

This summer, the 6’9″ superstar could opt out of the last year of his current contract for 2024-25, which is worth $51.4 million. 

Brian Windhorst of ESPN, who has been covering James since his high school days at St. Vincent-St. Mary in Akron, said James is aiming to stay in Los Angeles to (probably) finish his career in a rich new contract.

“I don’t think this is LeBron’s last stand, I don’t think this is the Lakers’ last stand,” Windhorst remarked at the time. “First and foremost, I believe LeBron is looking to sign a multi-year contract with the Lakers this offseason worth nine figures. That will be even bigger than the deal he is currently on. Now, whether he’s able to complete that agreement, if the Lakers want to give him a three-year contract worth $60 million when he’s 42 years old, is a different discussion.”

Stunningly, given James’ mileage to this point (bearing in mind that he has appeared in the NBA Finals for half of his full seasons to this point, as well as deep Conference Finals appearances in two other seasons), he has remained a borderline All-NBA talent once more. He remains a top box office draw and a startlingly good player well into his dotage (this is his 21st year). He has been underpaid for years. Los Angeles owner Jeanie Buss may find it worthwhile to ultimately overpay the guy at the end of the queue.

Across 51 contests this year, James is averaging 25 points on a .524/.401/.736 slash line, 7.9 assists and 7.2 rebounds.