Windhorst: I can t understand James s operating strategy this time, so I can only wait and see what s going on

According to previous reports, Lakers forward LeBron James will implement the $52.6 million player option in the 2025-26 season and will continue to stay with the Lakers next season.

Then, ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst was an interview on the show and talked about James' decision.

"I feel that Ritchie Paul's interview was a bit confusing. I'm not sure what information they want to convey. LeBron has 100% control over his situation. He could have chosen to be a free agent, but he gave up. He is one of only two players in the league with a trade veto (the other is Bradley Beal). On the topic of trading, he has absolute control over whether he is traded, trading plans, etc." Brian Windhorst said.

"The Lakers actually have no initiative. They can only receive notice of whether LeBron will execute the contract. If he wants to be traded, he can take the initiative. But he did not do so, but the initiative is also in the hands of LeBron." Brian Windhorst said.

"I just want to say: In 2025, trading a player like LeBron with an annual salary of $52.6 million is extremely complicated, especially for a championship team - and that's probably exactly what he wants. It seems like an interesting progress right now, but I'm not sure it will trigger any substantial change," Brian Windhorst continued.

"Believe me, I have spent a lot of time studying the possibility of LeBron's trade in the past 24 hours, but I really haven't found any feasible and reasonable solutions. If this is a step-by-step strategy, I don't think it will be possible. I'm not sure what signal he wants to send to his teammate Luca Doncic - the team was going to surround them to win the championship next season. At least that's the case. As for his demand for the Lakers to strengthen the lineup, he's been saying this for seven years." Brian Windhorst said.

"I really don't understand the operation strategy this time, so maybe I can only wait and see. Because to be honest, I think LeBron does not have much room for follow-up operation except for appearing in training camp next season. After all, the Lakers obviously have no intention of trading him." Brian Windhorst said.