A comment from an NBA executive who asked not to be named about LeBron James and the Lakers has attracted attention, which shows that the situation behind the scenes is very interesting.
“Yes, usually, when a star player like LeBron chooses to sign a contract, the team announces the move,” executives told Hoops Wire’s Sam Amico. “I think it’s weird. It’s definitely going to happen behind the scenes. I mean, the odds of LeBron’s trade are very, very low. His salary is too high.”
James exercised his $52.6 million player option a few weeks ago in the 2025-26 season, but the Lakers have not officially confirmed the move.
This silence leads to speculation on possible tensions between James and the front desk.
“I think LeBron and the Lakers’ front desk are sticking their heads out. They don’t have an impressive offseason at all, and then there are rumors that Robert has been saying [Pelinka] Saving cap space for 2027. It’s just stupid when you have LeBron and Luca [Doncic],” the executive added.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha recently said James’ relationship with the organization “is not the best place yet.”
“I mean, I want to be cautious about Brown’s relationship with the front desk or the organization, but I don’t think it’s the best place right now,” Buha said. “As you know, there is no official statement about LeBron’s choice. It usually exists – especially for players of that size. Then, he has his own stuff on social media or whatever he posts, and when he chooses to go in, there is obviously a statement. So, I don’t think things are the best place ever. I just said it.
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