Wed Jul 16 18:53:05 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**LeBron James to Report to Lakers Training Camp Amid Trade Speculation**

**Los Angeles, CA -** Despite swirling rumors of a potential trade or buyout, LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, is expected to report to Los Angeles Lakers training camp this preseason. Sources confirm that neither James nor the Lakers have engaged in discussions regarding a trade or buyout.

The 40-year-old James picked up his $52.6 million option last month, committing to an eighth season with the Lakers. While his agent, Rich Paul, made comments last month about evaluating what is best for his client, there haven’t been any indications that James wants to leave Los Angeles. However, this will be the first time in his career that James will be the second option, after the Lakers acquired Luka Doncic in a trade from the Dallas Mavericks in February.

A potential roadblock to any trade is James’s hefty salary. NBA rules require trades to be relatively balanced in terms of contract value, and the Lakers are reportedly hesitant to take on another $50 million-plus contract with multiple years remaining.

James is entering his record-setting 23rd NBA season. Last year, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in 70 games, ranking him among the league’s elite. The 21-time All-Star, four-time MVP, and four-time NBA champion is just 50 games shy of breaking Robert Parish’s NBA record of games played. James will turn 41 in December.

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