Overview

• The Lakers declined to negotiate an extension after James picked up his $52.6 million player option, cementing a one-year expiring-star deal.
• Contenders including the Warriors, Cavaliers and Knicks have evaluated trade packages centered on James’s expiring contract.
• Uncertainty over James’s long-term future prompted center Brook Lopez to bypass the Lakers and sign with the Clippers.
• An NBA executive told ESPN that James appeared open to leaving Los Angeles, reflecting growing discord behind the scenes.
• James’s agent stressed his sole focus remains competing for a championship, pressuring the Lakers to clarify his role or risk a summer split.