News broke on Sunday that LeBron James is opting into the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers (H/T Shams Charania of ESPN) at $52.6 million. While that was the expected outcome, several NBA executives and agents found it odd that he didn't appear to have his usual negotiating leverage.

The superstar maintains flexibility over the coming months while Los Angeles builds a competitive roster aimed at navigating a strong Western Conference.