"The team has been resistant to taking on longer-term contracts in an effort to maintain flexibility," The Athletic wrote. "... if the Lakers were to, hypothetically, trade James to the Golden State Warriors for Jimmy Butler, who is nearly 36, they would have Butler under contract for the 2026-27 season at nearly $57 million."

LeBron James hasn’t had buyout, trade discussions with Lakers, both sides expect that he will be with team for training camp.

Woike emphasized that such speculation often lacks concrete direction and tends to generate more questions than answers.