Trade speculation has been running rampant since right before the start of NBA free agency, when James exercised the $52.6 million option on his contract.

"The team has been resistant to taking on longer-term contracts in an effort to maintain flexibility," The Athletic wrote. "... if the Lakers were to, hypothetically, trade James to the Golden State Warriors for Jimmy Butler, who is nearly 36, they would have Butler under contract for the 2026-27 season at nearly $57 million."

The Los Angeles Lakers have always been at the center of attention, but the conversation around LeBron James in mid-July has been unusually loud. Reports across multiple outlets say four teams have contacted his agent,