By the time this season is done, LeBron will have earned $584 million from his on-court contracts in his NBA career. He'll be 41 years old by the time the season is over. " (It) begs the question," Marks writes. "Does the chance at a fifth championship outweigh another big payday?"

Instead, new reporting from The Athletic’s Dan Woike and Joe Vardon clarifies that James has not asked for a trade or buyout. The Lakers have reportedly heard nothing from him or his representation about leaving. Meanwhile, the team is shifting focus toward Doncic’s long-term role in Los Angeles.