A photo showing Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James at the Cleveland Cavaliers practice facility amid NBA trade rumors is much ado about nothing, per the King himself.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has exercised his player option for the 2025-26 season, meaning he will return for a 23rd NBA campaign. While he bypassed the ability to become a free agent, James does not seem entirely set on returning to Los Angeles for an eighth season.

James has spent the last seven seasons with the Lakers and previously played for the Cleveland Cavaliers (twice) and the Miami Heat. The idea of James suiting up for another franchise seems unusual, which is why some speculate he could make a return to Cleveland.