Overview
- James has given no indication to the Lakers that he wants a trade or buyout after opting into his $52.6 million player option.
- Four NBA teams have expressed interest in acquiring James if he decides to test the trade market, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
- The Dallas Mavericks have ruled out trading up to four players to match James’s salary, citing reluctance to dismantle their core roster.
- James’s no-trade clause and status as one of the highest-paid players grant him leverage but complicate any potential deal.
- Luka Dončić becomes eligible for a four-year, $229 million supermax on August 2, making his contract extension the Lakers’ top offseason priority.