NBA: LeBron James Picks Up $52.6M Option With Lakers + Charlotte Hornets Make Moves

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss LeBron James opting into his player option, the moves the Hornets made and NBA Free Agency.

NBA Free Agency is here! 

LeBron James opted in for $52.6M with the Los Angeles Lakers, though his camp hints at potential trade interest. Former Laker Dorian Finney‑Smith opted out of his $15.4M Laker deal; the Rockets are reportedly a strong suitor. 

Former Trail Blazer Deandre Ayton enters free agency after a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers; he had $35.6m remaining on his contract. Could the Lakers get Ayton?

The Charlotte Hornets have been making moves. After taking 4 players in the 2025 NBA Draft: 1st Round, No. 4 overall – Kon Knueppel (SF, Duke), 2nd Round, No. 33 – Sion James (SF, Duke), 2nd Round, No. 34 – Ryan Kalkbrenner (C, Creighton), No. 29 pick (from Suns trade) used on Liam McNeeley (F, UConn), the Hornets acquired Collin Sexton in a trade over the weekend.

The Cleveland Cavaliers traded Isaac Okoro to the Chicago Bulls for Lonzo Ball. What do these moves impact?