It was revealed that James' relationship with the Lakers was a little cold! Team Notes: There's always the possibility of him leaving

On May 23, Beijing time, Buha, a well-known Lakers team reporter, said on the show that James' relationship with the Lakers has sometimes been a little cold in the past few years, and there is always the possibility of him leaving the Lakers.

In the latest episode of the podcast, Buha said: "I mean, there's always been the possibility of LeBron [James] leaving, and as we've reported many times — not just me, but also journalist Sam Amick — the relationship has been a bit cold and not always on the last few years. But as I've said before, I think LeBron will still be a Lakers player next season, and the only question is whether he'll choose to exercise the player option or jump out of his contract and re-sign. ”

James has a player option worth $52.2 million for the 2025-26 season. Although he has yet to publicly commit to exercising options or testing the free agent market, the Lakers' offseason plans will likely depend on his decision. Buha's remarks, while not the first time they have been revealed, highlight potential contradictions that have reportedly existed since the early days of James' arrival with the Lakers.

James, who turns 41 later this year, will be in his 23rd NBA career next season and eighth with the Lakers — his longest experience with a single team. Despite his age, he continued to perform at a high level in 2024-25, averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game in 70 games, shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range, helping the Lakers to 50 wins and finishing sixth in the MVP vote.

However, the Lakers' season ended in disappointment: they were eliminated by the Timberwolves in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs in five matchups. The result has sparked speculation about roster reshuffling and whether James will consider taking a pay cut to help management add depth to his roster alongside him and Doncic.

James' Lakers season results so far -

2019: Did not make the playoffs

2020: Won the overall championship

2021: Eliminated in the first round of the playoffs

2022: Did not make the playoffs

2023: Lost in the divisional finals

2024, 2025: Playoffs first round out

The Lakers traded Doncic from the Mavericks in a blockbuster trade at the trade deadline to send Anthony Davis to Dallas. Now led by James and Doncic, the team is under tremendous pressure to build a competitive championship squad before James finally retires.

Although Buha expects James to stay in Los Angeles, the comments suggest that internal connections could influence the development of the Lakers' offseason strategy — including contract negotiations, free agent decisions, and the use of mid-level exceptions or veteran base salaries.

The future of the Lakers is closely tied to James' departure. Speculation is likely to continue throughout the summer before he officially decides whether or not to exercise the player option.