LeBron James might be playing out his final season in the NBA.
If not that, then he could be competing in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform for the final time, as the veteran star's contract is up at the end of the year.
As the Lakers entered the 2025-2026 NBA season with a sidelined LeBron, there were rumblings about the idea that he was evaluating the situation in LA. The rumblings suggested there might be a breaking point where he requests a trade.
So far, the rumors haven't translated to anything real. James is back on the court for the Lakers, and there isn't any indication that he's going anywhere.
In case anybody had any doubts, James' agent, Rich Paul, spoke on the idea of a "fantasy" trade between the Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, shooting down the idea with confidence.
The Pairing That Won't Happen
"Why don't we just play duck-duck-goose?" Paul told Max Kellerman on ‘Game Over.' "I don't like to get into that. It's not gonna happen, so why are we talking about things that aren't gonna happen?
"You and Bill (Simmons) can play fantasy basketball all you want. You can do that about anyone in the league. I believe any time you're placing LeBron James on any team in the league, it makes basketball sense. I think Jimmy Butler plays basketball the right way to where Jimmy Butler fits any team. Right now, I like him on the Golden State Warriors."
Would LeBron to Golden State Make Sense?
The Warriors and the Lakers are in a similar position.
Both teams have a championship won during the 2020 decade, but both have an aging core, and could be looking to turn the page. The Lakers got a head start on doing so last year when they swapped out Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic.
The Warriors added Butler to their operation to pair alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green, but Butler is 36 with an injury history of his own.
As long as LeBron has the power to pick and choose whether he moves, the future Hall of Famer probably won't head out for half a season.
The Lakers have concerns, but they are still fifth in the Western Conference with a 21-11 record. Meanwhile, the Warriors are 18-17, sitting in eighth place.
Playing out the 2025-2026 season with the Lakers is the best bet for LeBron. Beyond this season, his future is certainly unclear.
Newsweek