ESPN NEWS: L.A Lakers officially LeBron James Not …read more.
July 5, 2025
Despite ongoing fan discussion and rumors alongside social media-driven hype, insiders close to the situation have confirmed that LeBron James will not be bought out of his existing contract, nor is a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers imminent.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar recently exercised his $52.6 million player option to remain with the team in the 2025-26 NBA season his record-setting 23rd season in the NBA. The move signifies that he is interested in remaining in the franchise where he remains an integral part of the team on and off the court. While rumors had circulated suggesting a return to his hometown Cavaliers, particularly following Cleveland’s aggressive move off-season, league sources now eliminate that as an option completely.
“There is zero percent chance LeBron gets bought out,” an NBA executive said in comments to journalists. “He’s all-in with the Lakers, and so too has the front office made it clear. They’re not breaking up with the face of their franchise.”
LeBron’s tie to Cleveland remains on an emotional basis led the team to its only and first-ever NBA championship in 2016 and remains a favorite in Ohio but on a basketball and business front, the fit no longer exists. The Cavaliers are constructing their youthful nucleus of Darius Garland and Evan Mobley while LeBron continues chasing history and championships out West.
Additionally, the buyout scenario would be at a gigantic financial cost and weaken the Lakers’ plan. With the addition of LeBron James’ son Bronny James to the Lakers’ roster as well, having his dad as his teammate makes him all the more emotionally attached to the franchise. The father-son combination made NBA history a couple of months ago as the first father-son pair to occupy the floor for one team.
For the foreseeable future, everything points to LeBron hanging up his spikes in purple and gold. While the idea of a fairy-tale return home in Cleveland has warmed the hearts of fans, especially in light of LeBron’s sentimental gestures toward where he was raised, reality is far different.
In short, LeBron James is not being bought out, and a third Cleveland comeback is out of the question. Lakers fans can now sleep soundly knowing that the King is solidly still on his throne
in Los Angeles.
