The Los Angeles Lakers have done one really weird thing since the public began speculating about a possible LeBron James trade. L.A. has yet to acknowledge publicly that James opted-in to his player option for 2025-26 to play the upcoming season for $52.6 million.

Lakers’ LeBron James ‘Trade Machine’ Move Gets Brutally Frank Mavs Insider Review originally appeared on Athlon Sports. DALLAS - We are under no grand illusions here.

The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James do not appear to be on good terms currently. Plenty of reports have come out that suggest the two sides could part ways. Some think a trade might occur. Others simply think that James will play out the final season on his contract and either leave for another team or retire next offseason.