Trade speculation has been running rampant since right before the start of NBA free agency, when James exercised the $52.6 million option on his contract.

"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."

It's hard to believe, but LeBron James -- basketball legend, all-time NBA leading scorer, face of the Los Angeles Lakers -- may soon be officially diagnosed with most dreaded disease to befall professional athletes not named after Yankees' sluggers: Kaepernick Syndrome.