lebron james
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James.
For the first time in several years, this Los Angeles Lakers offseason hasn’t revolved around LeBron James. The team is building around Luka Doncic, and he’s clearly their priority going forward.
James could’ve left in free agency, but decided to pick up the player option on his contract. Despite being contractually tied to the Lakers, James’ camp put out a statement after he picked up his option, suggesting that he could still want to play elsewhere.
However, a trade hasn’t materialized, and it looks like he’s going to play in Los Angeles this season. For his part, James has been very quiet about basketball matters involving his team this offseason. He hasn’t requested a trade, nor has he directly put out any statements suggesting that he wants out.
That said, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon recently reported some interesting info from James’ camp.
“It has been radio silent since James, via his agent Rich Paul, attempted to rattle the Lakers’ cages immediately after exercising his $52.6 million player option for this season,” MacMahon wrote. “The all-time leading scorer and his camp understand just how complicated a trade involving him — at his age, making that much money, with the contractual right to veto any deal — would be.”
Does James Want a Trade?
MacMahon’s report seems mostly innocuous, but it does make it seem like James’ camp would prefer a trade to another team. Why else would they need to “understand” how complicated the process is if he’s where he wants to be?
Based on MacMahon’s comments, James may be fine playing the 2025-26 season with the Lakers, but he’d also welcome a possible trade. If that’s the case, there’s a very good chance he has no plans to stay in Los Angeles past this season. In fact, it’s still possible that he gets traded away during the year.
Lakers Among Teams Most Likely to Make Trade Deadline Move
The Lakers should be a playoff team with their current roster, but it’s difficult to see them as true contenders. There have only been marginal improvements to the roster, and James is another year older.
ESPN believes that the Lakers are the second-most likely team to swing a trade before the trade deadline during the season.
“The Warriors lead this list because they’ve essentially spent the offseason signaling a desire for deadline movement,” Anthony Slater wrote. “Their two-year, $45 million contract offer to restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga was designed to get him on a salary number they can flip come January. The Lakers, who are transitioning into the Luka Doncic era, have maintained a few first-round sweeteners that can be used to get a deal done as LeBron James’ expiring contract looms. For the Cavaliers’ situation, disappointment and desperation can breed movement. If they fear their high-value core four won’t get it done in the playoffs again, they may decide to flip one and change up the mix.”
It remains to be seen what big trade the Lakers could make, but it’s on the table that James gets moved by the deadline.