The Los Angeles Lakers may not be actively pursuing a trade for LeBron James, but they reportedly plan to cooperate with the star if he decides to leave the franchise. According to a report by Anthony Irwin for ClutchPoints, sources close to the situation suggest that the Lakers would work with James to facilitate a trade that meets his preferences while also securing a return that could help launch a rebuild.
If LeBron James requests a trade, many believe the deal would also need to include his son, Bronny James. The Lakers selected Bronny with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, making them the first father-son duo in league history to play together.
Currently under contract through the 2024-25 season with a player option for 2026, LeBron’s future with the Lakers has been a topic of discussion before. Prior to the 2024 trade deadline, the Golden State Warriors reportedly reached out to inquire about acquiring James. However, the Lakers, led by team owner Jeanie Buss, ultimately decided against trading their star, emphasizing the importance of keeping their key players satisfied with the team.
At that time, LeBron James rejected the Warriors’ offer, and in July, he signed a two-year deal with the Lakers, slightly below the maximum salary to allow the team more flexibility in building a championship-contending roster.
While the Lakers have struggled in recent games, slipping to eighth in the Western Conference with a 3-7 record over the last ten outings, LeBron’s motivation to stay in Los Angeles will likely depend on the team’s ability to contend for a championship. Irwin reports that James is determined to win a title with his son on the roster, which could influence his decision on whether to remain with the Lakers long-term.
The Lakers still have 58 games left in the season, and with trade rumors bound to increase as the Feb. 6 deadline approaches, the team will need to improve their standing if they want to avoid further speculation regarding LeBron’s future.
