For Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, 41, the end is nigh. It will come soon, whether with the Lakers or another team, and it likely will come with all the adulation one of North American sports' all-time greats deserves.

Shortly after picking up his player option for next season, James' agent, Rich Paul, not-so-subtly hinted his client would be monitoring what the Lakers to do while attempting to build a long-term contender. That could mean nothing more happens this summer ... or something else.

LeBron's agent Rich Paul has previously told ESPN that "LeBron wants to compete for a championship" and that remains his priority. With how close he is to retirement and their recent addition of Luka Dončić, LeBron's approach and the Lakers approach may no longer match.