"The team has been resistant to taking on longer-term contracts in an effort to maintain flexibility," The Athletic wrote. "... if the Lakers were to, hypothetically, trade James to the Golden State Warriors for Jimmy Butler, who is nearly 36, they would have Butler under contract for the 2026-27 season at nearly $57 million."

Dallas jumped up as a +125 betting favorite to acquire James if the Lakers decide to trade the 40-year-old forward.

"The only reason I haven't talked about Al is because that’s not final," Stevens told reporters last week.