The relationship between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers has taken an unexpected turn this offseason. The King, entering his 23rd year in the NBA, picked up his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. But the real story lies in what didn’t happen.
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According to several reports, the Lakers didn’t extend a long-term offer for James. And for the first time in his career, LeBron isn’t the face of the franchise. That role now belongs to Luka Doncic. After acquiring Luka in a blockbuster trade in February, the Lakers have made it clear they’re building around the 26-year-old superstar.
And everything is now being structured to support him. In that process, LeBron has become the second option, a transition that naturally sparked rumors about his future, including trade speculations — one of which suggests interest from the Dallas Mavericks.
But NBA insider Marc Stein put the rumors to rest recently. “I just don’t think a trade is realistic and a buyout makes no sense for the Lakers,” he said, before explaining the situation.
“I just don’t think a trade is realistic and a buyout makes no sense for the Lakers.”
– @TheSteinLine doesn’t see LeBron James going anywhere this offseason (via @WillardAndDibs).
https://t.co/kxfb9i9E5b pic.twitter.com/brlI2UFItF
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) July 15, 2025
Stein explained that other teams aren’t interested in giving up real assets for a 40-year-old, even if it is James, who averaged nearly 25 points last season. At the same time, a buyout would offer the Lakers zero return, which makes no sense for a franchise trying to stay competitive.
Dallas was a team many viewed as a potential landing spot since Luka moved out of there, and they need a veteran to lead them. However, as per Kevin Gray Jr., “The Mavericks are not pursuing a trade for LeBron James.”
The Mavericks are not pursuing a trade for LeBron James, one league source told @DLLS_Sports tonight.
The source was adamant that there are no trade discussions between the teams despite persistent speculation to the contrary. #MFFL
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) July 16, 2025
Gray Jr. explained that even though there are a lot of speculations about a potential trade, a source close to the league has confirmed that the Mavs and Lakers have had no such conversation. All of these point to one clear outcome: LeBron will likely begin the 2025-26 season in a Lakers uniform.
That doesn’t necessarily mean James will end the season there. But for now, there’s no movement on the trade or buyout front.
