LeBron James is entering his 23rd NBA season, but speculation around his future with the Los Angeles Lakers continues to swirl. The four-time NBA champion recently made headlines by opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, setting him up for a historic 23rd year in the league.
The Lakers have signaled they are focused on building a contender after acquiring Luka Doncic in a blockbuster deal that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. While the franchise wants to remain competitive with James on the roster, discussions about a potential breakup between both parties heightened following agent Rich Paul’s comments about James wanting “to compete for a championship” and valuing "a realistic chance of winning it all" (via ESPN's Shams Charania).
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23)
© David Richard-Imagn Images
Amid these rumors, Brian Windhorst of ESPN offered a stark update about James’ situation on Monday. Windhorst revealed that after Rich Paul’s statement, he began reaching out to front offices around the league. Windhorst said he identified teams that could make sense for a trade but found that none were prepared to pursue it.
According to him, several executives were “caught flat-footed” by the idea, suggesting there is currently no clear market for James’ massive contract.
Perhaps even more notably, ESPN's Tim MacMahon directly addressed the James to Dallas Mavericks possibility, which would see him rejoin former teammates Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.
"Dallas has come up in speculation," he said. "The Mavericks stayed under the second apron. Kyrie's new contract allowed them to do that... But just to get to the numbers you're talking Gafford, Klay, PJ, plus type of package... What would you have left? No. 1, it's a ton to give up for what might be a retirement tour... That just doesn't make sense for anyone."
At this point, all signs point to James beginning next season with the Lakers unless he personally pushes for a move. His full no-trade clause gives him complete control, but this latest update makes clear that any potential deal would face significant financial and logistical challenges.
For now, the Lakers and James remain tied together as they figure out if their paths still align.