Lebron James Network

"The 5th Ring Is Not Important To LeBron James" - Gilbert Arenas Criticizes Lakers Star For His $52.6M Decision originally appeared on Fadeaway World . LeBron James opted into his $52.6 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. Considering the impact this decision has had on the team's cap structure and its ability to construct a winning roster, former NBA player Gilbert Arenas had a lot to say about James' decision on "Gil's Arena". Advertisement While criticizing the superstar's decision to opt into his contract and avoid free agency, Arenas said : "There's $56 million you're worth. You are a free agent. Meaning, you can go anywhere on the planet. You don't have to get traded to nowhere. You [James], right now, can sign for $5 million and go play with Cleveland. You can literally take the Mid-Level to go to OKC to win a ring." "If you really want to win that fifth ring, it could be respectabl...

If LeBron James could convince the Los Angeles Lakers to buy him out, the Dallas Mavericks would be interested in adding him. Appearing on ESPN Radio 710 in Los Angeles, ESPN's Dave McMenamin said the Mavs would only have interest in James if he were to become a free agent, not via trade. James' status with the Lakers is the most closely monitored situation in the NBA. Even though he opted into his $52.6 million salary for next season, the decision came with a statement from his agent, Rich Paul, to ESPN's Shams Charania about evaluating what's best for the four-time NBA MVP: The Athletic's Sam Amick noted after James opted into his deal for the 2025-26 season that executives around the NBA were "wondering if this was a precursor to a trade request." There's no indication of any trade request at this point. James would also have control over where he goes if a deal materialized because he has a full no-trade clause in his de...

EL SEGUNDO — For Bronny James, the focus over the next couple of weeks will be on his summer league play with the Lakers. Not the growing speculation surrounding his dad, LeBron James, and his future with the franchise after comments from his agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, made it less clear how much of the elder James' future will be with the Lakers. And that approach is exactly what LeBron has encouraged of Bronny, the No. 55 pick in last year's draft, who had a business-as-usual approach Wednesday for the Lakers' summer league team's practice. "One of my friends called me, talking about where, what I was gonna do," Bronny said. [Because] they [saw] my dad, whatever. I didn't see it. He called me. 'I was like, Yeah, I have no idea what you're talking about.' "I don't really pay attention to that stuff. There's a lot of stuff going around that I don't pay attention to." LeBron opted into his $52.6 mi...

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has soaked up headlines recently with his cryptic will-he-or-won't-he stirring of potential trade rumors. James has made it clear he is solely focused on having another chance at an NBA title before he retires, and according to SI's Chris Mannix , the New York Knicks could be a good fit to help him do so. Advertisement "If -- and it's a big if -- a LeBron trade becomes realistic the Knicks feel like a logical partner," Mannix said. "Eastern Conference, a team LeBron has flirted w/joining before. And NYK could construct a deal that isn't totally roster crippling -- and one the Lakers could be interested in." MORE:  Is LeBron James going to the Knicks? James opted into his $52.6 million player option for next season, making the number of realistic suitors pretty small. However, the Knicks have numerous large contracts they can deal, with Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns set to...

Two things have made the first 48 hours of free agency unusual for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. First, the Lakers have started slowly. It's no secret Los Angeles entered free agency looking for a center, but players it was linked to have already found new homes with more aggressive teams — Brook Lopez is just across town with the Clippers. Nobody was as aggressive as the Bucks in finding a way to get Myles Turner out of Indiana. Clint Capela is back in Houston. Advertisement The Lakers are talking to agents. The names we hear now, maybe they get Al Horford, or maybe Deandre Ayton. You can feel Luka Doncic's eyes rolling. LeBron not Lakers' focus Second, for the first time in his career, LeBron James and his wishes are not the most important thing to his team during the offseason. The Lakers' focus is on transitioning to a team built to optimize Doncic's skills — LeBron is a part of that, but not the primary focus. In years past, L eBron opted out of...

San Antonio Spurs' Dream Scenario for 2026 Remains Unrealistic Even With LeBron James News originally appeared on Athlon Sports . While there were some big names kicking off free agency this offseason, the San Antonio Spurs signed center Luke Kornet in one of the more celebrated deals of the summer, suggesting that, for the most part, this class is lackluster. Advertisement Of course, depending on how contract extensions fall, the class of 2026 could be loaded, headlined by De'Aa ron Fox, Trae Young, and Luka Doncic. Players will be eligible to sign extensions on August 2, with Fox expected to cement himself long-term in San Antonio, and Doncic is expected to do the same with the Los Angeles Lakers. After being traded without his permission and LeBron James opting in to his contract, preventing the Lakers from re-signing Dorian Finney-Smith, there is reason to believe that Doncic and the Lakers have less than a perfect marriage, although he is expected to ink his name to ...

Blockbuster Mock Trade Adds LeBron James Next to Cooper Flagg, Completes Klay Thompson's Vision originally appeared on Athlon Sports . For the first time in his career, LeBron James has opted into the final year of his contract. Next season, the Los Angeles Lakers will owe him $52.6 million, although trade speculation has already started. Advertisement While James has often been the subject of rumors, none of them have ever had any merit. Howeve r, as the Lakers try and build around Luka Doncic, parting ways with James certainly fits their timeline. The Dallas Mavericks have long been linked to James, although nothing has ever come of it. Still, if James wants to ride off into the sunset, doing so with either the Cleveland Cavaliers or two of his best teammates--Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis--makes a degree of sense. The Mavericks can easily swing a deal to add James into the fold. Full Mock Trade Details: Lakers receive: Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington, Klay Thompson Maverick...

Cavaliers Fans Bracing for LeBron James Return After Lakers News originally appeared on Athlon Sports . Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has exercised his $52.6 million player option for next season. While things had been trending in this direction, there was a more unexpected twist to the news on Sunday. Advertisement According to ESPN's Shams Charania , James is closely monitoring how the Lakers build out their roster this offseason, and if championship contention is a realistic expectation. "LeBron wants to compete for a championship," Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN. "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." Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23).Candice Ward-Imagn Images Amid this gr...

LeBron James Commits To Lakers, Picks Up $52.6M Player Option For 2025-26 Season originally appeared on Fadeaway World . The King isn't done, and he's not planning to bow out anytime soon. In a move that reinforces his desire to keep competing at the highest level, LeBron James has officially picked u p his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania on Sunday. James, who will turn 41 midseason, is now set to enter his record-setting 23rd NBA campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers , a franchise he's called home since 2018. Advertisement While James has flirted with the idea of retirement in recent years, his decision to opt in signals that he's far from ready to walk away. According to Rich Paul: "LeBron wants to compete for a championship. 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 ...