Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James picked up his $52.6 million player option on Sunday, keeping him with the team for the 2025-26 NBA season.
Despite exercising his player option, it's not entirely clear how James feels about his future.
The Lakers finished third in a tough Western Conference last year with a 50-32 record. However, losing in the first round to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games showed how far they are from lifting the Larry O'Brien trophy.
James' agent, Rich Paul, discussed the future of James' relationship with the Lakers.
"We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career," Paul told ESPN. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him."
Paul's statement opened the door for other teams to explore the possibility of adding the all-time leading scorer to their roster.
Los Angeles Lakers f
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Since then, one of James' former teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers, has emerged as a favorite to land him (+200 odds via BetUs).
Cleveland earned the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference last year with a 64-18 record, without losing consecutive games throughout the entire season.
James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists last season with the Lakers, and now is set to enter a record-breaking 23rd NBA season.
Despite James not knowing how much longer he desires to play, it's clear he wants to make his last few seasons count.