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LeBron James trade rumors, explained: Lakers superstar downplays buzz after visiting Cavs practice facility

As the NBA offseason rolls on, rumors and trade buzz continue to surround LeBron James.

The Lakers superstar opted into his player option for the 2025-26 season before his agent, Rich Paul, released a statement that said he and James want to “evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage of his life and career.” Naturally, with his opt-in slightly making a trade more possible, the future Hall of Famer became the subject of fan trade proposals everywhere.

While it remains to be seen if a James trade could actually come to fruition, there have been some interesting posts on social media that some fans are suggesting could mean he’ll be traded to the Cavaliers. On Friday, James was photographed at Cleveland’s training facility — but rather than let the speculation grow on social media, James shot the trade connection down.

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Here’s the latest look at trade rumors following James after he was practicing at a Cavaliers facility on the Fourth of July.

LeBron James trade rumors

Ever since James officially opted into his $52.6 million player option, he’s been the subject of trade rumors — something that hasn’t happened very often in his illustrious career. Often, he has made it a point to control his own destiny if he wants to play somewhere new. And it wasn’t just James’ opt-in that suggested a trade was possible; it was his agent’s statement.

Here’s what Rich Paul told ESPN after James opted into his option:

LeBron wants to compete for a championship. He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

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. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.

MORE: Examining potential LeBron James trade packages for Lakers

That statement can be interpreted in a few ways, of course, including the fact that James “understands” that Los Angeles has to build around Luka Doncic for the future, but also wants to compete for titles. Naturally, the Lakers will be focused on title contention next season. But the wording like considering “the Lakers as a critical part of his career,” wanting “to evaluate what’s best for LeBron” and wanting to “make every season he has left count,” all indicated that all doors are open for the time being.

So, until James or Paul says otherwise, fans will continue to speculate that the star will be traded. James’ salary would make a trade fairly difficult for L.A., and the team likely doesn’t want to move him unless its getting a fair return, but everything seems to be up in the air for now.

Naturally, James’ every move on social media since then has been scrutinized for trade rumors. With his hometown Cavaliers an often-mentioned destination for James, when he posted a picture in a “Welcome Home” hat recently, many fans connected it to a Cleveland reunion via trade. Perhaps it was a cryptic message from James, perhaps it wasn’t anything.

And on Friday, when James was seen at a Cavaliers’ training facility, the connections only grew.

MORE: What LeBron James’ opt-in means for his future

Why was LeBron James at Cleveland Cavaliers practice facility?

James posed for a photo with someone at the Cavaliers’ practice facility on Friday, a picture that immediately went viral due to his recent Cleveland trade rumors:

James, however, didn’t allow his choice of a basketball gym to be taken as a trade rumor. He replied to the photo that went viral, writing that he’s been going to Cleveland’s practice facility “every summer since it was built” and telling fans that they’re too “bored” and need to “enjoy the 4th of July.”

All things told, James’ reply was likely enough to shoot down Cavaliers trade connections from his decision to train in their practice facility. Whether his post will be enough to end his trade rumors entirely, though, will be a different question.

MORE: Fact-checking LeBron James trade request rumors

Social media trade speculation

Fans have been chattering about a potential James trade ever since he opted into his player option, with many connecting him to the Cavaliers.

Here’s some of the latest speculation from fans online that are suggesting James will be on the move, including an Instagram comment he recently left:

MORE: Tracking the latest signings, trades and more from NBA free agency

LeBron James contract

The 2025-26 season is the second in James’ two-year, $101.35 million extension he signed with the Lakers. By opting into the player option he had for the upcoming season, James will make around $52.6 million in 2025-26, whether it’s with the Lakers or a team that acquires him via trade.

When James opted into his deal, it marked the first time in his career that he did not take the choice to enter free agency.

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