James then teamed up with Warriors star Steph Curry at the 2024 Paris Olympics, showing off their harmonious pairing en route to an undefeated gold medal run. This reignited some of the Warriors-Lakers trade buzz, but nothing ended up taking place.

LeBron James will play basketball next season. But for whom? The Los Angeles Lakers are the clear leaders. James picked up a $52.6 million player option over the weekend, which could have inspired little analysis if not for the cryptic statement that followed.