LeBron James Breaks Silence on Trade Speculation After Post on Friday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. When LeBron James exercised his $52.6 million player option to return to the Los Angeles Lakers for his 23rd NBA season, most assumed that there would be no more questions about where he would play next.

Like sharks sensing a presence in the water, Rich Paul's cryptic statement that accompanied LeBron James' decision to opt in to his $52.6 million salary for next season led some teams to call the Los Angeles Lakers about the four-time NBA MVP's availability.

LeBron James Sends 1-Word Message After Cavaliers Trade Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is entering his 23rd NBA season. Exercising his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 campaign, James bypassed the opportunity to become a free agent. That said, his Lakers future is anything but clear.