There was a time when LeBron James leaving the Los Angeles Lakers before the end of his playing career seemed like a far-fetched idea.

However, rumors have been brewing that the star might seek a new home. Sean Deveney of Heavy.com recently reported that multiple NBA teams are “at least preparing for the possibility” that the 38-year-old will want out and request for a trade from the Lakers this coming offseason.

“According to executives around the league, multiple teams are at least preparing for the possibility that James will seek to force a trade this summer as he, having just turned 38, looks to finish his career in a winning environment,” Deveney wrote. “And unlike this past offseason, in which teams were blindsided by the trade demand lodged by star forward Kevin Durant on the eve of free agency, front offices around the NBA will be prepared for James’ potential move.”

The Lakers’ lack of success in the past couple of years has likely been frustrating for a player who is wired to win like James.

After Los Angeles’ championship run in the 2019-20 campaign, the franchise’s following seasons have ended with a first-round playoff loss and postseason absence, respectively.