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yesterday

LeBron James Opts Into Final Lakers Season as Trade Talks Stall

Despite Bovada naming Dallas the favorite to acquire him, the Mavericks have publicly ruled out dismantling their roster to match his $52.6 million salary

Could LeBron James actually be on the move?
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Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets walks down the floor during the first half of game seven of the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on May 18, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers throws the ball back to a referee as he attends a 2025 NBA Summer League game between the Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 12, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Overview

  • LeBron James formally exercised his $52.6 million player option for 2025-26, locking in what is expected to be his final season with the Lakers.
  • The Lakers and James have held no trade or buyout discussions, and he is slated to report for training camp this fall.
  • Although the Mavericks, Warriors, Cavaliers and Clippers contacted agent Rich Paul about a possible move, Dallas has drawn a line in the sand on trading for James.
  • Lakers leadership’s silence on his opt-in and past roster decisions made without his input has deepened unease within the organization.
  • Entering his record 23rd NBA season, James faces growing speculation from analysts like ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that 2025-26 could be his last campaign.