Rich Paul Says LeBron James Will Finish the Season With Lakers
rich-paul-says-lebron-james-will-finish-season-with-lakers
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will remain with the team through the end of the 2025-26 campaign, according to his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports.
During the debut episode of Paul’s “Game Over” podcast, released this week, co-host Max Kellerman repeatedly pressed the agent about rumors linking James to a possible midseason trade, specifically to the New York Knicks. Paul dismissed the speculation, stating, “No. Yeah, where’s he gonna go?” He added that James holds a full no-trade clause and would have to approve any potential deal.
The comments arrive amid periodic chatter about James seeking a move if the Lakers falter before the February trade deadline. Los Angeles has opened the year at 17-6, easing concerns that surfaced after the 40-year-old forward missed time early with right-side sciatica.
Lakers Focused on Current Run
Paul acknowledged that James would improve any roster, including New York’s, but reiterated that no talks are underway. “I don’t really play fantasy basketball, but he definitely makes them better,” he said, emphasizing that James will finish the season in purple and gold.
Recent reports have suggested this could be James’s final season in Los Angeles because he can enter free agency next summer. Paul indicated those discussions will be deferred until the offseason.
James Rounding Into Form
James is in his 23rd NBA season and eighth with the Lakers. After a slow start, he delivered his best performance of the year in a recent win over the Philadelphia 76ers. “At 40 years old, it just takes a while for my body to kind of get back into a rhythm,” he said postgame. “It felt good tonight to kind of feel like myself a little bit.”
With Paul’s declaration, the Lakers can proceed without trade-related distractions as they continue their push for another championship.
Source: LakersNation.com
