LeBron James becoming available has, typically, been a seismic NBA event. Teams famously spent the several years leading up to his 2010 free agency clearing cap space. Pretty much all league business halted for the first 11 days of July in 2014 as teams schlepped across the country first to Cleveland and then,

It would be entirely illogical for the Lakers to buy out James. He was a second-team All-NBA choice in 2024-25. Why would they get rid of him for nothing in return? While trades don't appear to be forthcoming, LeBron's name value plus talent give him legitimate trade value if he ends up requesting a deal.

Like sharks sensing a presence in the water, Rich Paul's cryptic statement that accompanied LeBron James' decision to opt in to his $52.6 million salary for next season led some teams to call the Los Angeles Lakers about the four-time NBA MVP's availability.