Reuters
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\n Despite an offseason of rumors and speculation, LeBron James<\/a> is expected to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2025-26 season, The Athletic reported<\/a> Wednesday.\n <\/p>\n \n The Lakers and James have not engaged in talks about a trade or buyout, and the NBA\u2019s all-time leading scorer is expected to report to camp with the Lakers this fall, per the report. There haven\u2019t been any signs, either, that James wants out.\n <\/p>\n \n James picked up his $52.6 million option last month to return for an eighth season with the Lakers.\n <\/p>\n \n He will be returning to a team this time around on which, for the first time in his career, he is the second option. Luka Don\u010di\u0107, acquired in a stunning trade from the Dallas Mavericks in February, is expected to be the centerpiece for Los Angeles in the upcoming season.\n <\/p>\n \n Apparently fueling the trade or buyout rumors is a statement made by James\u2019 longtime agent, Rich Paul, last month that included this line, \u201cWe do want to evaluate what\u2019s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career.\u201d\n <\/p>\n \n Trading James, given his salary, would be difficult since NBA trades must be for players with contracts of similar value due to the salary cap.\n <\/p>\n \n The Lakers, according to The Athletic, also are reluctant to take on a player earning in the $50 million range if he has additional years on the contract. The Lakers will be free of James\u2019 $52.6 million once his contract expires at the end of the upcoming season.\n <\/p>\n \n James, 40, is entering his record-setting 23rd NBA season. He has played in 1,562 regular-season games and is 50 shy of breaking Hall of Fame member Robert Parish\u2019s NBA record.\n <\/p>\n