What Would a LeBron James L.A. Exit Look Like?

For the past several years, it’s appeared as though LeBron James was prepared to end his career in Los Angeles. However, the 40-year-old’s decision Sunday has raised speculation about his future.

James opted in to his $52.6 million player option for next season. While this may seem like a sign of the four-time MVP’s commitment to the Lakers, it’s potentially the opposite. 

By opting in, James will become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. Since joining the Lakers on a four-year deal in 2018, James has never been a free agent, instead signing three separate two-year extensions.

Rich Paul, James’s agent, told ESPN that James “wants to compete for a championship” and recognizes that the Lakers are “building for the future.” 

Where Could James Go?

James has not asked for a trade—and according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, “there isn’t” a trade market for him.

Marks said Monday on ESPN’s Get Up that he spoke to several teams and said they would not trade for James given his age, salary, and expiring contract. James’s $52.6 million deal makes it difficult for teams to create packages to trade for him—including the Cavaliers, his former team, who are expected to be second-apron violators next season.

However, Jovan Buha, former Lakers beat writer for The Athletic, said there has been “some buzz” in recent weeks that the Mavericks could be a suitor for James. Dallas, which infamously traded Luka Dončić to Los Angeles in February, has Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis—two of James’s championship running mates at separate stops. The Mavericks would have to trade away most of their supporting cast to acquire James, including Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, and P.J. Washington.

James could also leave as a free agent next season—or even this year, if he agreed to a buyout with the Lakers. A buyout would mean James would have the majority of his salary would likely be paid out by Los Angeles, and virtually every team in the league would have the opportunity to sign James. However, considering he was still a second-team All-NBA player last season, a buyout seems unlikely.

That means a team like the Warriors, who reportedly made an “unsuccessful bid” for James two seasons ago, might have a shot at his services. 

It would be shocking to see James move out of Los Angeles—especially since his son is on the team. It’s also not new for James to pander to the media about his future in an effort for his team to make moves to accommodate his timeline. 

James’s potential retirement also looms over all of these decisions. He is the NBA’s oldest player and will set the record for the most seasons played next year.