Those questions ramped up when James' agent, Rich Paul, acknowledged via ESPN's Shams Charania that the superstar “values a realistic chance of winning it all,” adding even more intrigue about his future. Although James officially picked up his player option for next season, it hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from swirling.

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.

NBA insider Brian Windhorst is not buying that the Cavs and Lakers can actually come to a trade deal for LeBron James.