LeBron James’ agent makes clear statement on Lakers trade rumors
Agent Rich Paul made it very evident that LeBron James, his most well-known client, intends to remain a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Paul spoke with ESPN on Friday about the circulating trade rumours involving the four-time MVP.
“LeBron won’t be traded, and we aren’t asking to be,” the agent said, per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
James posted a mysterious message on social media earlier this week after the Hawks lost, just leaving an hourglass emoji to pique the curiosity of fans and the media. James missed Thursday night’s road victory over the Boston Celtics because of an ankle injury, and he has not discussed the message with reporters.
The Lakers have been “active in trade talks over the past month,” according to a Windhorst report from Friday.
On December 7, Los Angeles defeated the New Orleans Pelicans in the in-season tournament semifinals, putting them five games above.500 for the first time this season at 14-9. The Lakers have gone just 11-16 since, including a pair of four-game losing streaks between Dec. 15 and Jan. 5.
King James has until June 29 to exercise his $51.4 million player option for the 2024–25 campaign. On June 26–27, this year, his oldest son Bronny, a freshman guard at USC, will be eligible to enter the NBA Draft.