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yesterday

LeBron James Opts Into Final Season as Lakers Weigh Trade Options

He locks in for one more year, prompting Los Angeles to treat him as an expiring contract, explore trade possibilities, pursue a younger core, navigate salary-cap constraints.

Warriors tried acquire to LeBron James before the trade deadline, but it didn’t happen because he wanted to stay.
Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball in front of Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on April 8, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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Overview

  • LeBron James exercised his 2025–26 player option, guaranteeing his return for a 23rd NBA season.
  • Agent Rich Paul stressed James’s drive for another championship and indicated that potential trades will be assessed.
  • NBA insider Brian Windhorst reports the Lakers have not held extension talks and now view James as an expiring asset.
  • At least four teams have contacted James’s camp about possible trades, but CBA rules and luxury-tax limits pose major hurdles.
  • Los Angeles is shifting toward a Luka Doncic-led rebuild and has shown interest in targets such as Damian Lillard to balance short-term aims with long-term planning.