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The speculation surrounding LeBron James’ future has reached a fever pitch during the 2025 NBA Summer League, with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, and New York Knicks among the teams reportedly monitoring the situation in hopes of a potential buyout from the Los Angeles Lakers according to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints.
James, now 40 years old, recently exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, committing to what will be his eighth consecutive season with the Lakers, the longest stint of his career with a single franchise. Despite this commitment, his relationship with the Lakers appears strained.
Tensions have grown in recent weeks, with James reportedly frustrated over the team’s lack of direction. Lakers officials, meanwhile, are reportedly fatigued by what they perceive as passive-aggressive behavior from the four-time champion.
Reports indicate that there have been no discussions between James and the Lakers about a trade or buyout. Sources close to both parties have consistently maintained that James is expected to be with the Lakers for training camp and the upcoming season.
Klutch Sports, which represents James, has fielded interest from at least four NBA teams about potential trade scenarios. However, none have resulted in substantive negotiations, primarily due to the complexities of James' massive contract and the lack of mutual benefit in potential trade proposals.
Still, teams are watching closely. The Cavaliers, where James won a championship in 2016, remain a sentimental and logistical candidate. James was recently seen at the Cavs’ practice facility, fueling speculation of a possible return.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks present an intriguing option with a roster that includes former teammates Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, as well as Klay Thompson, Dereck Lively II, and No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg.
However, Dallas has made it clear it is unwilling to gut its roster to absorb James’ $52.6 million salary. As a second-apron hard-capped team, options are limited. Trading Davis is theoretically possible, given his $54.1 million salary, but would be a bizarre reversal of the blockbuster deal that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers in February.
Complicating any potential move is LeBron James’ no-trade clause, which grants him veto power over any deal. Without his explicit request for a buyout, something he has not made, the Lakers are unlikely to entertain the idea.
Furthermore, league rules prevent teams above the first apron from signing buyout players during the season, meaning time is running out for contenders like the Cavaliers, Knicks, and the Mavericks to remain in play.
