LeBron James opting into his player contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, followed by a statement released by his agent, has fueled trade and buyout rumors for the last week. He wants the best possible chance to compete for a championship, and even though the Lakers now have Luka Doncic, the rest of the roster is discombobulated, at best.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James was recently overheard saying how his wife wants him to retire from the NBA in "the next year or so."

Phoenix Suns team governor Mat Ishbia is aggressive enough to pursue a soon-to-be 41-year-old LeBron James after just getting burned by a soon-to-be 37-year-old Kevin Durant. The Lakers should pounce at the opportunity to negotiate with him.