“The team has been resistant to taking on longer-term contracts in an effort to maintain flexibility,” The Athletic wrote. “… if the Lakers were to, hypothetically, trade James to the Golden State Warriors for Jimmy Butler, who is nearly 36, they would have Butler under contract for the 2026-27 season at nearly $57 million.”

Since arriving in Los Angeles in 2018, LeBron James has helped reshape the direction of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. His arrival brought back championship hopes and a 2020 title. Many believed LeBron would end his storied career as a Laker.