LeBron James is not expected to be traded ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. The news comes as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 125-109 on Tuesday night, a game that also marked the return of Austin Reaves from a 19-game calf injury. Reaves contributed 15 points in just over 20 minutes, highlighting his importance to the team’s early success, including a 15-4 start to the season.
LeBron’s No-Trade Clause Keeps Lakers’ Core Intact Through Season’s End
James, who holds a no-trade clause, has the power to veto any deal, and it remains unclear whether the decision to stay is mutual between him and the Lakers or driven by one party. Reports indicate that teams such as the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors had expressed interest in acquiring James. The Cavaliers, notably, had traded for James Harden earlier Tuesday, sending Darius Garland to the Clippers, signaling that they may need to look elsewhere for roster upgrades.
LeBron James
LeBron James (NBA)
With Reaves back, the Lakers’ core of James, Reaves, and Luka Dončić is fully healthy after a season affected by multiple injuries. The team has remained competitive in the Western Conference despite these setbacks, holding a 29-19 record prior to the Brooklyn victory. The return of Reaves strengthens the argument for keeping the current roster intact for the remainder of the season.
Lakers Struggle Defensively Despite Big Three Remaining Healthy and Intact
However, the Lakers continue to face significant defensive challenges. With James at 41 years old, alongside Dončić and Reaves, the team ranks 25th in defensive rating, indicating below-average performance on that end of the court. This defensive weakness makes it difficult for the Lakers to realistically contend with top Western Conference teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and San Antonio Spurs.
Acquiring a transformative defender before the trade deadline would likely require moving a major asset, potentially even James, which the Lakers appear unwilling to do. While the team’s core remains intact, the combination of age, defensive deficiencies, and limited trade options suggests that championship aspirations this season may be hindered, even with LeBron staying put.
LeBron James will reportedly finish the season with the Lakers, allowing the team to maintain continuity with their Big Three of James, Reaves, and Dončić, but defensive limitations could prevent deep playoff success.