Despite LeBron James picking up his $52.6 million player option to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers for next season, there's never been more speculation surrounding his status with the team. That's in part because no new contract was negotiated this summer to keep him there past this upcoming season,

Hall of Fame NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line doesn’t expect LeBron James to retire with the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron, 40, will make $52.6 million next season in the final year of his contract.

Discussions surrounding Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James potentially appearing on the trade market have quieted down recently, according to The Ringer's Zach Lowe.