According to previous reports, James will choose to execute a player option of $52.6 million in the 2025-26 season; last year James and the Lakers reached a 1+1 contract renewal, which contains a trade veto and a 15% trade margin. After he executes the option, these two rights are still retained.

Lakers Ryan Ward analyzed the use of James' trade veto: If James really wants to leave the team and wants to compete for the championship next season, I guess his trade veto will be used on the Eastern Conference team. The competition in the East is very fierce next season, and I guess it might be the Cavaliers or the Knicks for the Eastern Conference championship, but I'm not sure how the trade will go (if James leaves the team). The Lakers' offseason will definitely get more interesting and complicated.