The decision from LeBron James earlier this summer to pick up his player option for next season from the Los Angeles Lakers came with an important caveat from agent Rich Paul — the four-time NBA MVP wants the chance to win another championship before his career comes to an end.

LeBron James has been with the Lakers for seven years. He recently exercised his player option for the 2025-26 season, but could be open to exploring options outside Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Lakers no longer orbit around LeBron James. That baton was passed as soon as L.A. finalized the trade that sent out James' handpicked sidekick, Anthony Davis, to acquire Luka Dončić, a 26-year-old megastar more than capable of piloting the Purple and Gold well past the LeBron era.