After LeBron James opted into the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, speculation immediately began to run rampant regarding whether or not he would ask for a trade.

LeBron James has been the face of the Los Angeles Lakers since arriving in Hollywood in 2018.

In the “coup de grâce,” according to Shelburne and Windhorst, the Lakers did not offer James an extension despite his ability to opt out this summer or walk for free next offseason.

While both pickups will have a chance to make an impact on the Lakers during the 2025-26 season, more work needs to be done. LeBron James has become a major talking point in recent days. His future with the team seems cloudy at best.