LeBron James Expected To Remain With Lakers Through Season

With the NBA trade deadline nearing and teams across the league reshaping their rosters, LeBron James is still expected to finish the season with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to league sources cited by ESPN.

The sense around the league, based on what has been shared publicly and what sources told ESPN on Tuesday, is that James has not pushed for a move and is not preparing to change teams during this campaign.

His longtime friend and agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, addressed the idea directly in December on his “Game Over” podcast. Asked whether James would seek a trade, Paul answered simply: “No,” adding, “Where is he going to go?” The episode was released Dec. 9.

Any trade scenario would also require James’ approval. At 41, he has a no-trade clause, meaning the Lakers could not move him without his consent.

Since Paul’s December comments, the Lakers’ position in the Western Conference has shifted. ESPN reported that the team dropped from No. 2 to No. 6 in the standings over that stretch, a slide that has coincided with increased scrutiny around the organization.

On Jan. 21, ESPN’s Baxter Holmes published a story describing what was characterized as a strained relationship between James and Lakers acting governor Jeanie Buss. Two days after that story ran, James was asked whether he planned to finish the season in Los Angeles. His reply was brief: “I’m good … I’m good.”

What happens beyond this season remains unclear based on the information provided. James said last week he does not know whether he will retire this summer, while also acknowledging that the Lakers’ game played Wednesday in Cleveland “very well could be” his last in Northeast Ohio.

Meanwhile, as the deadline approaches, several teams often mentioned as plausible landing spots for James if he chose to play next season have been active in trade discussions. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Warriors and Knicks engaged with the Milwaukee Bucks in talks involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. Charania also reported Tuesday night that the Cavaliers agreed to trade for LA Clippers guard James Harden.

Even with those moves and the possibility of more changes around the league, ESPN reported that James will not be joining a new team before this season ends.