In addition to guaranteeing his spot on the court, LeBron James has formally accepted his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 NBA season, escalating trade rumours that he is linked to the Golden State Warriors.

LeBron James has opted into his player option for the 2025-26 season, securing his 23rd year in the NBA. While he's expected to start with the Lakers, trade rumors persist, particularly linking him to the Golden State Warriors.

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.