The LeBron James era in L.A. has been fruitful, leading to two Western Conference Finals appearances and an NBA title in 2020. However, the relationship between the Los Angeles Lakers superstar and his latest franchise has a long history of cold spells. 
Jovan Buha of The Athletic recently reiterated previous reports that dealings between the two sides have been "frosty" over their seven years together.
"I think there’s always a chance that LeBron could walk," Buha said on the Wednesday, May 21, edition of his "Buha's Block" podcast. "
"As we’ve reported at The Athletic multiple times ... the relationship has been a little frosty at times," Buha continued. "It hasn’t always been the warmest over the past couple of years."
Buha went on to say that he believes James will ultimately return to Los Angeles for his 23rd NBA season in 2025-26, which would be a league record.
However, there are a couple of pathways out of L.A. for James should he decide to take one of them.
James could simply retire, which would be the simplest way to sever ties with both the franchise and the sport entirely. He could also opt out of the final year of his contract -- which will pay him $52.6 million should he opt in -- and then test the free-agent market.
Several former NBA players and current analysts have suggested the Lakers should move on from James this summer. However, James controls the final year of his deal completely. Not only can he opt in or opt out, but he also holds a no-trade clause.
Those two contract stipulations afford James complete control over if and where he plays next season, which will be his age-41 campaign.
