LeBron James linked with shock move away from the Lakers... just one week after opting into $53m deal in LA

LeBron James has been linked with a move away from the Lakers after exercising his $52.6million player option - but there's big caveat.

The 40-year-old will play at least another season in the NBA after triggering the one-year-deal, though the move has been followed by trade speculation following a cryptic statement from his agent Rich Paul.

And the Mavericks are reportedly interested in James - but they wouldn't be willing to part with assets in a trade.

ESPN's Dave McMenamin said on ESPN Radio 710 that the Mavs would be interested in James only if he was bought out by the Lakers.

That scenario seems extremely far-fetched, as LA would likely want to recoup some assets in return for the four-time MVP.

Either way, James going to Dallas would see him reunite with his friends and ex- teammates Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.

Davis was part of the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade in February, which also sent Max Christie to Dallas and a first-round pick back to LA.

James was also overheard seemingly talking about the Knicks during a recent dinner in Manhattan.

While eating at Manhattan Omakase spot FlyFish Club, James could be heard in the background of a video taken by Instagram user @smallzthevillain saying he 'ain't mad looking at New York,' which fans interpreted as him viewing the Knicks as a potential trade destination.

He was also overheard discussing how his wife Savannah wants him to 'f***ing retire in the next year or so.'

While James decided to pick up his Lakers option, the announcement was met with his agent Paul telling ESPN that his client 'values a realistic chance of winning it all.'

'LeBron wants to compete for a championship,' Paul told ESPN . 'He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with [controlling owner] Jeanie [Buss] and [GM] Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

'We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him.'

The Lakers finished third in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record following their blockbuster acquisition of Doncic, but looked outmatched in the first round of the playoffs as they fell to the Timberwolves in five games.

James certainly showed his age at times during the season, but ultimately finished with impressive numbers of 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds nonetheless.