Cavaliers Named New Favorites to Land LeBron James After Mavericks Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After picking up his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, LeBron James is once again entering a contract year with the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron James picked up his 2025-26 player option with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $52.6 million. For the first time in his career, James is entering the

LeBron James has been floated as a potential trade target for the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer. The veteran superstar recently opted into his $52.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron James has arguably been the hottest commodity in basketball for nearly 25 consecutive years. Ever since he was in high school, he has been at the forefront of the national media, so naturally,

The idea of LeBron finding his way back to Cleveland for a third stint was set ablaze following his decision to accept his player option, along with an eye-catching statement released by himself and Rich Paul that had many wondering whether or not James was aspiring for a trade behind closed doors.

LeBron James can only return to the Cleveland Cavaliers if the NBA icon gets bought out by the Los Angeles Lakers before training camp. NBA insiders Dan Woike and Joe Vardon of The Athletic have the details.

LeBron James’ return to the Los Angeles Lakers for the upcoming NBA season is far from certain. As he nears the twilight of his career, the four-time champion is focused on contending for another title.

This comes as James’ agent Rich Paul put out a series of curious statements related to his top client’s future in Los Angeles and what appears to be hopes for trades. James to remain a Laker remains the most likely option, but the odds have shifted from -700 to -340 at the time of writing.

Former Cleveland Cavaliers player Richard Jefferson recently opened up on what it’s like being teammates with LeBron James during their short stint together from 2015 to 2017.