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NBA analyst offers update on LeBron James’ future after cryptic post

Joe Mayo

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NBA analyst offers update on LeBron James’ future after cryptic post image

LeBron James has been making headlines ahead of his record-setting 23rd season, as speculation swirls that he could be on his way out of Los Angeles. 

The 40-year-old has been linked to both trade and buyout rumors this summer, and Nikola Jokic's agent added some fuel to the fire in a recent post on Instagram. 

The agent, Misko Raznatovic, shared a photo of himself with James and his longtime business partner, Maverick Carter. However, it was his caption that turned heads. 

“The summer of 2025 is the perfect time to make big plans for the fall of 2026!” Raznatovic wrote. 

Some fans speculated that Raznatovic was hinting at potential talks between James and the Nuggets, but it appears as though he was referring to a partnership with Carter, as the two are reportedly exploring the creation of a new international basketball league. 

While James is set to enter free agency ahead of the fall of 2026, there remains a strong possibility that he will retire after this season.

MORE: NBA writer advises Mavericks to pass on trade for Lakers' LeBron James

Fox Sports' Nick Wright addressed the post, offering Lakers fans some clarity following the online buzz. 

“I can report unequivocally — the idea that this tweet or Instagram caption was about LeBron playing on the Denver Nuggets next year is unequivocally 100 percent false,” Wright said on First Things First. "There is a zero percent chance LeBron is on the Nuggets a year from now. That's not my opinion — I know that.”

Although rumors persist that James may want to finish his career with a title contender, and some doubt the Lakers’ ability to compete in the next two seasons, it appears extremely unlikely the superstar will put on another jersey before retirement. 

Despite the speculation, the four-time MVP  is expected to remain with the Lakers alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and newly acquired big man Deandre Ayton, as James continues his pursuit of a fifth NBA championship. 

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Joe Mayo

Joe Mayo is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. Born and raised in Wisconsin, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2024. He’s also a contributor at RotoWire. While Joe primarily writes about the NBA, he also covers the WNBA and MLB.