LeBron James’ Former Team Now a Favorite to Land Him originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James picked up his $52.6 million player option on Sunday, keeping him with the team for the 2025-26 NBA season. Despite exercising his player option, it's not entirely clear how James feels about his future.

Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

LeBron James’s latest power play makes it clear just how much the NBA team-building game has changed since his prime.

Yahoo Sports contributor Tom Haberstroh and NBA writer Dan Devine discuss the imbalance of power in the NBA and if the 4-time MVP has an easier path to another championship with his former team in the Eastern Conference.

There have been rumors about LeBron James leaving the Los Angeles Lakers recently. This speculation has happened before and never resulted in anything, but could James really leave the Lakers this offseason?