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Trade Talks Surge and Retirement Predictions Grow for LeBron James’s Final Lakers Season

Front-office friction has sharpened doubts over James’s future with the Lakers as trade proposals and retirement forecasts gather momentum

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 27, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Lakers Mavericks Basketball

Overview

  • LeBron James exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season on June 29, securing his contract while positioning himself for 2026 free agency.
  • ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Lakers insider Jovan Buha have acknowledged strained ties with management and admitted a trade is now a real possibility.
  • Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale detailed a speculative three-team deal that would send James to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for players and draft picks from Dallas and Utah.
  • The Lakers’ pivot toward youth, led by Luka Doncic and recent first-round playoff exits, has prompted the front office to explore major roster changes.
  • Bryce James publicly predicted his father will retire after next season, reflecting growing family sentiment that 2025-26 may be LeBron’s last NBA campaign.