Overview
- LeBron James exercised his $52.6 million player option and faces no active trade or buyout discussions with the Lakers ahead of training camp.
- Online sportsbooks now favor the Dallas Mavericks to land James, yet Mavericks sources say they will not dismantle their core to absorb his salary.
- Multiple teams including the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks have inquired but matching James’s contract under the NBA’s CBA presents hurdles.
- Rich Paul’s statement about evaluating what’s best for James has spurred ongoing speculation that the 40-year-old may retire after the 2025-26 season.
- With James secured for 2025-26, Lakers management is prioritizing a four-year, $229 million extension for Luka Dončić before his August 2 eligibility.