seemingly pushed the gas pedal all the way to the floor for the Los Angeles Lakers offseason by dropping a bombshell statement via agent Rich Paul on the eve of NBA free agency. James opted in to the final season of a two-year, $101 million contract but revealed the news through a complicated statement from Paul that is still being dissected in NBA rumors.
With surprising buyouts happening to stars like Damian Lillard with the Milwaukee Bucks, there has been some speculation that the Lakers could grant James a buyout allowing him to hit free agency. As a reminder, a buyout allows an NBA team to reach an agreement with a player about the remainder of their contract while allowing the veteran to immediately become a free agent.
NBA insiders quickly put this idea to rest pointing out that Los Angeles is not going to let James walk without receiving anything in return for the superstar.
“The idea of buying out James’ contract — even if he gives back a chunk of money — also doesn’t make logical sense,” ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst wrote in a July 4, 2025, story titled, “NBA free agency: LeBron’s next move, Denver’s deals, more intel.” “This isn’t the situation the Milwaukee Bucks were in with Damian Lillard, a future Hall of Famer sitting out with a torn left Achilles.
“This is a player who was second-team All-NBA last season for the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed, and with a less than 100% version of Doncic. What good would it do for the Lakers to simply let James walk?”
LeBron James’ Statement Via Rich Paul Puts His Future With the Lakers in Doubt
If James did indeed want to bolt the Lakers, it would have made sense for the superstar to opt out of his contract and test the waters of NBA free agency. James’ odd statement via Paul appears to have been a strategic move by the superstar along with Klutch Sports to put pressure on the Lakers front office to make more win-now moves.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks explained why there’s no trade market for LeBron James
(via @GetUpESPN)
As a refresher, here is what Paul’s statement to ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul said in the July 29, statement on James’ future. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.
“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”
Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Is Not Expected to Give LeBron James a Buyout
Los Angeles did make a major move by signing Deandre Ayton following his release by the Portland Trail Blazers. It remains to be seen if additional moves are on the way for the Lakers.
“The moment the Lakers made that trade, the LeBron James era in Los Angeles ended.”
@TimBontemps says what matters to the Lakers is prioritizing Luka Dončić 😯
Could Los Angeles do the unthinkable by exploring potential trades for James? It remains to be seen, but it appears the idea of a buyout is off the table as ESPN’s Bobby Marks explained.
“Certainly, you’re hearing like, well, would the Lakers ever do a buyout if things got and I’m thinking like, why, like what help does it make it to the Lakers?” Marks pondered during a July 3, interview on “The Ryen Russillo Podcast,” per HoopsHype.
“… You’re not going to be able to go out and get a $30 million replacement for him. You’re still had the non-tax level exception.”
