LeBron James appears to be staying in Los Angeles.
On Thursday, reports emerged that the NBA’s all-time points leader was at the “top of the Lakers’ list” to be traded ahead of the Feb. 8 deadline.
The speculation started shortly after James posted the following on X (formerly Twitter): hourglass emojiwhich sent the platform into a frenzy.
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LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. (Adam Hagee/NBAE via Getty Images)
However, James’ longtime agent Rich Paul denied rumors that the superstar would join a new team next week.
“LeBron will not be traded and we are not asking to be traded.” Paul told ESPN.
James’ Lakers currently sit ninth in the Western Conference with a 25-25 record, and the NBA’s talent level continues to soar.
Los Angeles was in a similar position at last year’s deadline, but management took various steps to improve the team, making it all the way to the Western Conference Finals despite being a 7th seed, but ultimately losing to the NBA championship. was defeated. Denver Nuggets.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dribbles past Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylen Williams during the first half of a game at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Dec. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
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James is averaging 24.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game this season and was selected to his career-record 20th All-Star Game last week.
James, 39, has a $51.4 million player option for next season and has until June 29 to accept or decline it. It is expected that he will try to continue playing until his son Bronny joins the league. Bronny is currently a freshman at USC and is eligible to enter this year’s NBA Draft.
Ironically, many speculated that James would be involved in trade talks given his success, as he plays against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James plans to drive around Houston Rockets forward Cam Whitmore during the second half of Monday’s game in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
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The Lakers are currently in ninth place in the West and can qualify for the play-in tournament, which they played in last year and 2021.
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