What happened: According to Dave McMenamin, a Los Angeles suitor discussed a one-year contract worth more than $20 million for LeBron James during free agency. The proposal would have kept James in California for the 2026-27 season.
Why it matters: James instead accepted a two-year, $8 million contract. The signed deal includes a player option for its second season, preserving another decision point after 2026-27.
By the numbers: The discussed one-year salary exceeded the entire value of James' $8 million contract by more than $12 million.
What to watch: Training camp will show how James is deployed entering his 24th NBA season.