LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers is one of the biggest sources of intrigue this offseason. That is even after the 21-time All-Star picked up his $52.6 million player option, who just stirred the pot for his home-state Cleveland Cavaliers.
James posted a simple image of himself riding what appears to be a golf cart.
However, James’ hat, which read “Welcome Home,” raised eyebrows amid increasing speculation that the Lakers could indeed trade him.
James, of course, began his career with the Cavaliers as the No. 1 pick in 2003. He spent the first five years of his career and, later, another four seasons, including a championship.
The former Cavaliers and Miami Heat star turns 41 in December. He averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds during the 2024-25 regular season. He posted a 25.4/9.0/5.6 line, adding 2.0 steals and 1.8 blocks for good measure, during the postseason.
However, the Lakers were ousted in five games.
Reports have emerged about the lack of contract discussions between James and the Lakers. They cast further doubts on the star’s future.
Insider: Lakers Not Discussing Contract Extension With LeBron James
GettyLuka Doncic #77 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers react during a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks before the 2025 deadline for Luka Doncic seemingly signaled a switch in the Lakers’ priorities, possibly at James’ expense and the Cavaliers’ benefit.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that, while he initially pointed to James, who is in the final year of a two-year, $101.3 million deal, opting in as a sure-fire sign the veteran wanted to remain with the Lakers, the organization is viewing their current situation in a different light.
“My conversations over the last three days have crystallized that the Lakers are essentially viewing Lebron as an expiring contract,” Windhorst said on “First Take” on July 2. “That may sound like a toss-off statement, but that’s not insignificant. LeBron has never been an expiring contract. Quite literally, never in his 23-year career over the nine contracts he’s signed over all the different teams he’s been on, he’s never been on the last year of his contract. He’s never been 40 years old. He’s never not been the franchise player on his team.
“I’m not sure what happened, but the Lakers and Lebron did not have substantive discussions about extending this contract, which every team Lebron’s been on for 20-something years has wanted to have substantive conversations about extending this contract. And what happens to expiring contracts in the NBA? They’re viewed as trade pieces.”
Notably, Windhorst’s tone is speculative. Moreover, James called the reporter “weird” over their relationship during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” in March.
Still, James’ post only added fuel to the fire that was already smoldering around the Lakers.
Whether or not it leads to a trade, and specifically to the Cavaliers, remains unknown. James’ camp has addressed the trade speculation, though the remarks hardly closed the door on such a scenario.
Rich Paul Addresses LeBron James Trade Speculation
GettyKlutch Sports CEO Rich Paul walks the blue carpet at JAY-Z’s Iconic The 40/40 Club.
James’ agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, spoke about the speculation around James and the Lakers. LA has notably not made any additions in free agency this offseason outside of a two-year deal for former Sacramento Kings forward Jake LaRavia.
The Lakers also lost Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul said in a statement released by ESPN’s Shams Charania on June 29, noting they appreciate the eight years James has spent with the Lakers organization, calling it a “critical part of his career.”
“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.”
That has not stopped the speculation about James and the Lakers in an otherwise eventful offseason, including for the Cavaliers.
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