The Los Angeles Lakers’ preferred scenario is for LeBron James‘ contract to drop off their books after next season, according to NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, if James were to become available via buyout, the Golden State Warriors and New York Knicks would be expected to join the Dallas Mavericks in pursuing him. However, Stein was quick to add that a buyout this summer is highly unlikely.

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. “The threat of him leaving Lakerland next summer is no threat at all now," writes Stein .

T he Lakers have had a decent offseason thus far. Los Angeles added Deandre Ayton on a steep discount, which gives Luka Doncic the kind of pick-and-roll threat he always thrived with in Dallas. Jake LaRavia isn't a particularly home run of a signing,

More than his statistical output, the 20-year-old son of NBA superstar LeBron James played with more confidence. During his matchup with Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg at the start of the Las Vegas Summer League, he defended with tenacity and showed the mindset that he wants to stop the best player on the court.

The Los Angeles Lakers are exploring a significant roster shakeup following their playoff disappointment, potentially trading Gabe Vincent in a three-team deal to acquire Nikola Vucevic. This move, proposed by Sports Illustrated,

LeBron James was interested in joining Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Duke Blue Devils basketball's Cooper Flagg on the Dallas Mavericks before opting into his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.