LeBron James officially picked up his player option for the 2025-26 season, committing to what will be his 23rd year in the NBA. While that guarantees he’ll play next season, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be in a Lakers jersey.
Shortly after the news broke, James’ agent Rich Paul shared a statement with ESPN that hinted at possible movement. Paul acknowledged that LeBron still wants to win now, but understands the Lakers may be shifting toward a long-term rebuild.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul told ESPN. “We know the Lakers are looking ahead to the future. We’ll take time to assess what’s best for him at this stage in his career.”
It’s not the first time trade speculation has followed James in Los Angeles. During the 2024 season, the Golden State Warriors reportedly made a push to acquire him at the trade deadline. That move never came together, largely due to LeBron’s preference to stay put at the time.
Curry and LeBron’s Friendship Adds Fuel to Trade Talk
The LeBron-to-Warriors rumors gained steam again after the 2024 Paris Olympics, where James and Steph Curry played together and helped lead Team USA to a gold medal. Their chemistry on the court caught plenty of attention and left fans wondering if an NBA partnership could happen.
This week, The Athletic floated Golden State as a potential destination for James, citing his relationship with Curry as one reason a trade might work. Just two days after that report, Curry commented on one of LeBron’s Instagram posts, which showed the Lakers star golfing.
What seemed like a harmless interaction quickly became a lightning rod for speculation. Fans rushed to Curry’s comments section, suggesting that the two could soon become teammates.
“LeBron to the Warriors confirmed,” one user joked.
“We need both of you in the same jersey,” another wrote.
The friendly Instagram exchange has no official weight behind it, but with James’ future in Los Angeles uncertain, fans and media alike will be watching both Curry and LeBron closely this offseason.
