Despite a frenzy of offseason speculation, LeBron James is not headed anywhere, at least for now. According to a detailed report by The Athletic’s Dan Woike and Joe Vardon, James has not engaged in any buyout or trade conversations with the Los Angeles Lakers.
There is no indication from either camp that such talks have taken place, and all signs point to James reporting to training camp ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season. The 40-year-old superstar, who recently opted into the final year of his $52.6 million deal, is still expected to wear purple and gold this fall.
James’ decision not to pursue an extension after opting in to his player option sparked immediate buzz around the league. Combine that with Rich Paul’s cryptic statements about evaluating what’s best for LeBron “at this stage in his life and career,” and rumors swirled about a possible split between the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and the Lakers. But reality, as it turns out, is far more stable than the headlines suggest.
LeBron has been active and visible with the team throughout the summer. He was seen shaking hands with Rob Pelinka, exchanging laughs with head coach JJ Redick, and supporting his son Bronny at Summer League games in Las Vegas. All of it pointed to one conclusion: James is still fully invested in the Lakers.
Some of the confusion began when it became clear that James would not be the centerpiece of the franchise moving forward. That title now belongs to Luka Doncic, the 26-year-old superstar the Lakers acquired in a blockbuster midseason deal.
Yet rather than fueling division, Doncic’s arrival may actually be extending LeBron’s championship window. As long as James continues to perform at a high level, pairing him with Luka could give the Lakers a legitimate title shot.
From a business standpoint, the Lakers have no incentive to rush LeBron out. They want to keep their books clean for next summer, and James’ expiring contract gives them maximum flexibility. Trading him for another star would commit them to long-term salary, something they’ve been trying to avoid. A buyout, meanwhile, makes even less sense.
If they cut him before training camp, Cleveland, one of LeBron’s rumored suitors, could sign him. But if they wait until after the season starts, the Cavaliers (currently over the second apron) would be ineligible to pick him up due to the NBA’s new CBA rules.
Those hoping for a dramatic exit should temper their expectations. League sources have consistently stated there’s been no pressure from LeBron’s camp to push a move. Scoop B reported that four teams, the Clippers, Mavericks, Warriors, and Cavaliers, had reached out to Rich Paul regarding James, but none of that has translated into anything substantial.
James also holds a full no-trade clause, so any deal would require his full approval.
There’s also the sentimental aspect. This season could be LeBron’s last in the NBA, and he’s made it clear how much playing alongside his son Bronny means to him. Bronny, who is under contract for three more years with the Lakers, has been improving steadily under the organization’s development plan. LeBron recently called it the most gratifying experience of his career.
In the meantime, James is staying busy off the court—golfing, vacationing, and rehabbing his left knee.
So until further notice, the King stays in Los Angeles. He may no longer be the singular face of the franchise, but alongside Luka Doncic, he still has a chance to author one more magical run.
