D espite LeBron James picking up his $52.6 million player option to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers for next season, there's never been more speculation surrounding his status with the team. That's in part because no new contract was negotiated this summer to keep him there past this upcoming season,

LeBron James' contract with the Los Angeles Lakers runs through the end of the 2025-26 season. And while maybe in the past that would've been a worry, NBA insider Marc Stein reports that the Lakers aren't bothered by that.

For the first time in his NBA career, LeBron James is no longer the primary focus of his team. Following a bold midseason trade that brought Luka Doncic to Los Angeles, the Lakers are reportedly prioritizing the younger superstar over the four-time NBA champion.