LeBron James isn’t a free agent. He picked up his $52.6 million player option this upcoming season with the Los Angeles Lakers. On the surface, this should mean that there’s nothing to talk about, but things aren’t exactly business as usual for the star who spent 11 seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

LeBron James Sends 1-Word Message After Cavaliers Trade Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports. 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.

It would be entirely illogical for the Lakers to buy out James. He was a second-team All-NBA choice in 2024-25. Why would they get rid of him for nothing in return? While trades don't appear to be forthcoming, LeBron's name value plus talent give him legitimate trade value if he ends up requesting a deal.