LeBron James’s latest power play makes it clear just how much the NBA team-building game has changed since his prime.

LeBron James isn’t a free agent. He picked up his $52.6 million player option this upcoming season with the Los Angeles Lakers. On the surface, this should mean that there’s nothing to talk about, but things aren’t exactly business as usual for the star who spent 11 seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

At a pivotal moment in LeBron James' career, any misstep is enough reason for his loyal fans to speculate about his future.