Lakers star forward LeBron James picked up his $52.6 million player option on Sunday, and will play in his 23rd season in the NBA during the 2025-26 season.
It's no secret that the four-time NBA champion wants to keep competing for rings at this stage of his career, especially since nobody knows how much longer he will be playing. When the Lakers traded for Luka Dončić last season, it was a move that would allow the organization to compete for a championship in both the short and long term, but LeBron doesn't have time to wait.
LeBron's camp on his intentions
LeBron's camp at Klutch Sports and agent Rich Paul came out with a very eye-opening statement regarding LeBron picking up his player option.
"LeBron wants to compete for a championship," Paul told ESPN. "He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. 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. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive, and want what's best for him."
James, who is 40 years of age, had the opportunity to play alongside his son, Bronny James, last year with the Lakers, fulfilling a lifelong dream of his. Although I'm sure LeBron would love to stay a Laker for the remainder of his career, there is uncertainty moving forward.
If the Lakers aren't aggressive in free agency or on the trade block, James may not view the Lakers as a title contender this upcoming season and may request a trade.
Could the Mavs really land LeBron James?
NBA reporter covering the Lakers, Jovan Buha, reported yesterday that the Dallas Mavericks are a team to keep an eye on if LeBron James requests a trade. Buha stated, "I will say that there has been some LeBron and Dallas buzz going on a couple of years now. If he does ask out, if it does get to that point, if the disaster scenario for the Lakers plays out...I would say keep an eye out on Dallas."
Dallas would make a lot of sense as a potential trade target for the Lakers if James really does want to leave Los Angeles. LeBron would be reuniting with two former teammates he won championships with, Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. Head coach Jason Kidd and LeBron were teammates during the 2008 Olympics and share a strong relationship. And the Mavs just drafted Cooper Flagg, so if they were able to somehow keep those names and pair him alongside LeBron, they could catapult into a top contender in the West next season. It would also give Nico Harrison the ultimate chance at redemption after trading Luka last season.
Although I ultimately believe that LeBron doesn't ask for a trade and remains a Laker for this upcoming season, it will be an interesting situation to monitor at this point in his career.