Overview

• James exercised his $52.6 million player option and is under contract for 2025-26 before reaching free agency next summer.
• Reporting says he is emphasizing catch-and-shoot work and conserving energy for defense to complement Luka Dončić’s primary playmaking.
• The Hawks’ official account shared video of James training with Jalen Johnson, and he is slated to visit China in September on Nike’s Forever King tour.
• Team-connected reporting indicates the Lakers do not see a realistic trade that would improve the roster or one James would approve, and league reporting notes a deal would be complicated by his salary and veto power.
• Speculation continues that he could eventually seek a move—an ESPN preseason poll had insiders predicting a future request—while Clippers coach Tyronn Lue declined to engage on a potential reunion and ex-teammate Markieff Morris said James could play until 46.