Lakers star LeBron James not expected to pursue a trade or buyout

LeBron James has spent the past seven seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, tying his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers for his longest consecutive stretch with one team. While he is under contract for the 2025-26 season after opting into his $52.6 million player option, there have been reports that the four-time MVP could seek a trade or buyout.

Dan Woike and Joe Vardon of The Athletic recently revealed that James and the Lakers have not discussed parting ways and that he is expected to be with the team when training camp begins.

"In the sections filled with employees from other teams, scouts and executives around the NBA buzzed with speculation about where else James might play, tossing around trade and buyout scenarios that, league and team sources told The Athletic, have never been discussed between James and the Lakers," The Athletic's Dan Woike and Joe Vardon wrote Wednesday. "Amid the constant speculation recently about his future, both the Lakers and people close to the NBA’s all-time leading scorer expect that he will be with the organization for training camp once the season begins this fall, league sources told The Athletic."

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"Those same sources said the Lakers have received no indication from James or his representatives that he would request a trade or ask to be bought out of the final year of his contract, which will be his eighth season with the Lakers, the longest consecutive stretch spent with one organization in his career."

James has continued to play at an elite level in the latter stages of his career as he finished sixth in MVP voting and was named second-team All-NBA in his 22nd season. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 51.3% from the field, 37.6% from three-point range and 78.2% from the free-throw line.

Despite his strong play, 2025-26 will mark the first time he is not the focal point of his teams plans entering the season. Following the shocking trade for Luka Dončić, Los Angeles has made it clear that they are focused on keeping their books clean for the summer of 2027 -- when several marquee players will hit the market.

While James is nearing the end of his legendary career and under pressure to win now, a split with the Lakers may not be feasible. Los Angeles may be focused on the future, however, they do plan to contend next season and there is no potential trade partner that could help them fulfill that goal while maintaining their cap flexibility.

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