The Los Angeles Lakers have played just 24 games this NBA season, yet fans are already discussing trade moves.
It's not uncommon for a team with LeBron James on it, as seemingly prior to every trade deadline, his team is expected to make a move to appease the four-time champion. However, instead of the trade talks being about how the Lakers can help build around James and nine-time All-Star Anthony Davis, there have been rumblings about James being at the center of trade talks.
A rumor that was not put to rest on Wednesday after first-year head coach JJ Redick revealed James is not with the team due to "personal reasons," per ESPN.
"LeBron is not with the team right now," Redick said. "He's out for personal reasons, excused absence."
A development that has only fueled the trade speculation from fans on X.
"He lining up his new team," wrote one user.
"He thinking about requesting the trade I just know it," added another.
"He gone," bluntly added another fan.
"He wants out," chimed in another.
The 39-year-old could simply be resting after missing the team's Dec. 8 win over the Portland Trail Blazers due to left foot soreness. However, fans have been on hyper-alert about a possible trade. Especially after his time with Team USA during the 2024 Paris Olympics, which saw him play with Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry and be coached by the Dubs' Steve Kerr en route to winning gold.
It is worth noting that ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst reported on Wednesday's "Get Up" that the Warriors are monitoring a possible trade for James even though there isn't any public knowledge of James wanting out.
"The Warriors have dreamed of pairing LeBron with Steph Curry and Draymond Green since last year," Windhorst said. "They've made an inquiry and it got shut down last February. That was before LeBron played with Steve Kerr and Steph Curry and won the gold medal over the summer.
"So, they will definitely monitor the situation, and I don't think they do anything without knowing this door is locked, but I would just say with LeBron, it's up to him," Windhorst said. "He has a no-trade clause and he has given no indication he wants the Lakers to do anything but upgrade the roster they've got, not that he wants to go anywhere."
James signed a two-year deal worth over $100 million with the Lakers during the 2024 offseason, which has a player option for the 2025-26 season. On top of that, the Lakers drafted his son, Bronny James, in the second round of this past draft.
Regardless, fans will look out for any signs James could be moved before the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline.
Related: Anthony Davis and LeBron James Humble Bronny James After G League Career-High
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This story was originally published December 11, 2024, 5:44 PM.