Amid all the chatter and speculation about his relationship with the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James is enjoying the offseason in ways only “The King” can.
On July 22, a viral video surfaced that shows James dancing to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” at La Guérite, a luxury beachside restaurant in Cannes, France, according to TMZ. Also seen in the video are Savannah, his wife, and Maverick Carter, his business partner, as well as billionaire Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez.
(via @/jeromewhatelse IG) t.co/jsPwvYSpeA
Some believe that James was extra enthusiastic dancing to Lamar’s song after Drake appeared to take a shot at the Lakers star with his recent diss track, “What Did I Miss.”
LeBron James Stirs the Pot
When James exercised his $52.6 million player option to return to the Lakers for the 2025-26 season, it was initially perceived as a positive sign. However, all that quickly changed when his agent, Rich Paul, issued a strong statement that ignored trade rumors and his future with he Purple and Gold franchise.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul told ESPN’s Shams Charania. “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 Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”
Paul also seemed to urge the Lakers to improve their roster in the offseason, or risk losing James in the future.
“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future,” Paul stressed. “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.”
Lakers Viewed as Title Contenders
Amid all the drama, the Lakers are still viewed as legitimate NBA title contenders entering the 2025-26 season, following their free-agency signings of DeAndre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart — moves that significantly shored up their defense.
According to ESPNBet, the Lakers (+1600) own the sixth-shortest odds to win the 2026 NBA championship, behind only the Thunder, Cavaliers, Nuggets, Knicks, Rockets and tied with the Clippers.
Smart, who turned down offers from other teams to join the Lakers, is convinced his new team has all the pieces to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
“I think we stack right up there with the best of them,” Smart said of Lakers’ title chances, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “We can [compete]. Our ceiling is high. There’s no ceiling. If we all lock in and come and do what we’re supposed to do, we can have a real good shot at it.”
Smart is extra motivated to help the Lakers regain relevance after spending the last two seasons in purgatory.
“I’m very motivated,” he said. “The last two years for me was, in my eyes, a disappointment. Injuries kind of stopped me and held me back. But, like I told my wife and my family, everything happens for a reason. And it’s funny that 12 years ago, I could have been here and now it’s full circle and I’m here.”
Viral Video of LeBron James Partying With Jeff Bezos (WATCH)