TITLE: Rich Paul Says LeBron James Will Stay With Lakers Through Entire 2025-26 Season
SLUG: rich-paul-says-lebron-james-will-finish-season-with-lakers
CONTENT:
LeBron James will not be leaving the Los Angeles Lakers before the 2025-26 campaign ends, according to his longtime agent Rich Paul.
During the debut episode of “Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul” on The Ringer’s YouTube channel, Kellerman asked whether it was “realistic” that James might finish the year on another roster. “No,” Paul responded immediately. Pressed again, the Klutch Sports CEO added, “Yeah. Where’s he going to go?”
James, now in his record 23rd NBA season, has never been traded except for a 2010 sign-and-trade that facilitated his free-agent move from Cleveland to Miami. Speculation about a possible deal surfaced last summer when Paul issued a cryptic statement after the four-time MVP picked up his 2025-26 player option, noting that James valued a legitimate title shot while the Lakers were “building for the future.”
That chatter faded within weeks as it became clear the 40-year-old forward, who holds a full no-trade clause, was not actively seeking a move. Even so, league observers continue to wonder whether this could be his final season in Los Angeles. James’ contract expires in July, and league rules prevent an extension before he reaches free agency.
The Lakers, who have shifted their long-term focus to Luka Dončić and are expected to prioritize a new deal for Austin Reaves in the summer of 2026, could create significant cap space if James departs. For now, the club is thriving, opening the season 17-6 and sitting second in the Western Conference. With several movable contracts, Los Angeles has flexibility to pursue in-season upgrades around James, Dončić and Reaves.
Source: Hoops Rumors
