ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst said there is meaning behind James’ recent actions, including a trip home to Ohio, while trade rumors swirl during a passive-aggressive spat with the Lakers despite exercising the $53 million option on his contract with the team for next season.

NBA legend LeBron James picked up his 2025-26 player option with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $52.6 million. After that happened, James’ agent (Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group) issued the following statement to Shams Charania of ESPN: “LeBron wants to compete for a championship.