ESPN Reporter Shares Blunt Take on LeBron James' Future originally appeared on Athlon Sports. LeBron James is entering a different phase of his career as he approaches a record 23rd NBA season in 2025-26 -- one where he is no longer the center of attention, not just in the league, but on his own team.

LeBron James will be staying with the Los Angeles Lakers after picking up his $52.6 million player option for next season. This is not a surprising development for many reasons, one of which may be just how difficult it would be to trade the 40-year-old superstar even if that was a desired option.

When it comes to NBA rumors, and really sports rumors in general, particularly those involving LeBron James, it's gets a little tricky on social media when navigating through all the mud and the countless parody accounts "reporting" an abundance of fake news.

Teams have reportedly expressed interest in trading for Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, who exercised his lucrative player option.

Rich Paul hinted that some teams are interested in trading for LeBron James. A few teams have already reached out to him about a possible deal, James’ agent and the CEO of Klutch Sports told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

ESPN's Dave McMenamin, a reporter famously plugged in with James and his camp, reported that Paul told him that four teams had contacted him about trades for James, though they didn't have any "substantive conversations," and added that James wanted to play on a "championship-caliber roster."