The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be treating LeBron James as an expiring contract as they pivot their long-term plans around Luka Doncic.
Although James officially opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season on Sunday, the accompanying statement from his agent, Rich Paul, introduced uncertainty about his future with the team.
ESPN insider Brian Windhorst revealed on First Take that the Lakers did not engage in any substantial contract extension talks with James, marking a notable first in his illustrious 23-year career.
Windhorst explained that this is the first time LeBron has entered the final year of a contract without any negotiations for an extension, a stark departure from previous contracts across multiple franchises.
Windhorst noted, “LeBron has never been an expiring contract. Quite literally. Never in his 23-year career, over the nine contracts he has signed… he has never been on the last year of his contract. He has never been 40 years old. He has never not been the franchise player on his team.”
The Lakers’ new perspective on James has opened the door to the once-dismissed possibility of a trade, though the complexity of moving such a large contract means it would require significant motivation from all parties involved – the player, the Lakers, and any potential acquiring team.
“On Sunday when Rich Paul made these comments… those comments could be taken a lot of different ways. They were nebulous, almost by design,” Windhorst said. “When the idea of a trade came up, I slammed the door on it… Over the last three days, I have unlocked the door.”
LeBron James Viewed By Lakers As Expiring Contract https://t.co/T2t0wYAaki
— RealGM (@RealGM) July 2, 2025
