LeBron James responds to Lakers exit rumors after being linked with shock move despite opting into $53m deal

LeBron James has responded to a possible exit from the Lakers, days after opting into a $53million contract and his agent, Rich Paul, making a cryptic comment about his future in Los Angeles.

James was spotted at the Cavaliers practice facility on Friday and took a picture with Cleveland NBA Summer League rookie Denver Jones. 

Any movement from James about his future is under a microscope these days, after Paul told ESPN that James 'wants to compete for a championship' but 'knows the Lakers are building for the future.'

On Thursday, James was linked with a possible move to the Mavericks, with ESPN's Dave McMenamin saying on ESPN Radio 710 that Dallas would be interested in James only if he was bought out by the Lakers.

Now, a reunion in James' home state was seen as a possibility, then shot down by the 40-year-old living legend himself.  

Responding to the photo of being spotted at the Cavs' stomping grounds, 'And every summer since it was built. I live here still and train every summer. Got damn yall bored man! Go get a plate of food somewhere and enjoy the 4th of July!' James said on X Friday. 

James has been with the Lakers since 2018, when he departed the Cavaliers for a second time.

His recent days in Los Angeles have seen the team hire good friend JJ Redick as head coach. His son, Bronny James, was also selected by the Lakers in last year's NBA Draft despite mediocre college stats at best. 

The Lakers finished third in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record following their blockbuster acquisition of Luka Doncic in February, but looked outmatched in the first round of the playoffs as they fell to the Timberwolves in five games. 

Los Angeles now looks to be planning a future with Doncic as the centerpiece instead of James, a first for him entering his 23rd season in the NBA. 

'He values a realistic chance of winning it all,' Paul told ESPN. 'We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with [controlling owner] Jeanie [Buss] and [GM] Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

'We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him.' 

James hails from Akron, Ohio and was on the Cavaliers from 2003-10 and again from 2014-18, bookending his stay with the Miami Heat.