Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is entering his 23rd NBA season. Exercising his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 campaign, James bypassed the opportunity to become a free agent. That said, his Lakers future is anything but clear.
Upon James' decision to opt in, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul released a statement that immediately sparked trade rumors.
"LeBron wants to compete for a championship," Paul told ESPN. "He knows the Lakers are building for the future... 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."
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23).
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23).
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Paul added in his statement, "He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him."
While there have been no reports of a formal trade request, this statement had fans and analysts wondering where James could end up. Naturally, a potential return to the Cleveland Cavaliers began generating buzz.
This intensified when James was seen wearing a "Welcome Home" hat on his Instagram story. James is of course a native of Northeast, Ohio.
These rumors persisted for nearly two full days before James indirectly shut down the idea that his hat was a message about a potential Cleveland return. While it was interesting timing for such attire, it turns out the hat is simply a nod to Homecoming, a new media company founded by former Nike and Beats by Dre executive Paul Rivera (h/t Bloomberg).
The company is backed by Rich Paul, and was tagged by James in a one-word post on Friday:
"Yessir," James wrote, tagging the company's two affiliated accounts on X.
Many fans were quick to point out that this context makes it unlikely James was hinting at a Cavaliers return. Others accused him of trolling fans, knowing many would speculate about a return to Cleveland with his hat choice.
"man him and giannis both been trolling all summer," one wrote.
"crying he had to make sure he cleared this up," said another.
"You’re an actual troll I’m crying," one added.
"ngl bron i was scared about what that hat meant," said one.
"Stop trolling us GOAT," one implored.
"No Trade Demand?" one asked.