NEW YORK — LeBron James is not anticipated to leave the Los Angeles Lakers before the NBA trade deadline, league sources told ESPN on Tuesday.
The 41-year-old forward holds a no-trade clause and would have to approve any deal. His agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, said on the “Game Over” podcast released Dec. 9 that James “would not be seeking a trade” and planned to complete his record-setting 23rd season in Los Angeles.
Since Paul’s remarks, the Lakers have slipped from second to sixth in the Western Conference standings. On Jan. 21, ESPN published a report highlighting tensions between James and acting governor Jeanie Buss. Two days later, when asked if he intended to stay with the Lakers through the season, James replied, “I’m good … I’m good.”
James has not committed to playing beyond this year. Last week he said he was unsure about retiring this summer and noted that Wednesday’s game in Cleveland “very well could be” his last appearance in Northeast Ohio.
Several organizations viewed as potential offseason suitors — the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors — have pursued high-profile players ahead of Thursday’s deadline. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Warriors and Knicks discussed deals with the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo, while the Cavaliers reached an agreement to acquire LA Clippers guard James Harden on Tuesday night.
Despite those moves, multiple league sources reiterated that James is expected to remain with the Lakers for the rest of the 2025-26 campaign.
Source: ESPN
