Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has exercised his player option for the 2025-26 season, meaning he will return for a 23rd NBA campaign. While he bypassed the ability to become a free agent, James does not seem entirely set on returning to Los Angeles for an eighth season.
After James decided to opt-in, his agent Rich Paul released a statement to ESPN that seemed to indicate the possibility of a trade this summer.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul said in a statement to ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future… We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career.”
This is not the first time trade rumors have surrounded James while in Los Angeles. In 2024, it was reported by ESPN that the Golden State Warriors made a push to land James at the NBA trade deadline, but any potential deal was shut down by the star forward and his agency.
James then teamed up with Warriors star Steph Curry at the 2024 Paris Olympics, showing off their harmonious pairing en route to an undefeated gold medal run. This reignited some of the Warriors-Lakers trade buzz, but nothing ended up taking place.
On Wednesday, The Athletic named Golden State a potential James fit if he were to be dealt. This report cited the friendship and Olympic pairing between James and Curry, among other reasons why a deal could make sense.
Just two days after this report, Curry had a message for James. A high-level golfer, Curry reacted to James hitting the links in his Instagram post.
Steph is ready to battle LeBron in another sport 😂 pic.twitter.com/zDCae6HxGP
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) July 5, 2025
While this was a friendly exchange between two NBA acquaintances who are now connecting over golf, fans flooded Curry’s comments with trade speculation.
“LeBron to warriors confirmed,” said one.
“bro we need y’all on the same team 🔥,” said another.
“can’t wait to see both of you suit up in the same jersey!” one exclaimed.
“curry to the lakers or LeBron to the warriors,” said another.
“Hes a warrior 🥺,” one added.
“🐐🐐🐐,” another added.
