Overview

• LeBron James opted into his $56.2 million player option for 2025-26 and tasked agent Rich Paul with monitoring the Lakers’ offseason to decide his next steps.
• Paul confirmed no trade discussions have occurred despite inquiries from at least four teams gauging James’s availability.
• L.A. addressed its center void by signing Deandre Ayton to a two-year, $16.6 million deal aimed at bolstering interior defense.
• The front office’s strategy shift to build around Luka Doncic marks a reorientation of franchise leadership from James toward its 25-year-old point guard.
• Reports of tension between James, teammate Austin Reaves and new acquisition Doncic have fueled calls—including from Kendrick Perkins—for LeBron to reassess the roster by training camp.