During the 2024-25 NBA season, James put up good production for Los Angeles. He played in 70 games, averaging 24.4 points per game to go along with 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and a steal. In addition, he shot 51.3 percent from the floor and 37.6 percent from the three-point line.

James eventually decided to pick up his $52.7 million option for 2025-26, but his agent Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania that James was looking to win now — and, by extension, the language of Paul's quote seemed to indicate the four-time league champ could strive to navigate a trade out of town.