LeBron James isn’t going anywhere.
James’ agent Rich Paul declared that James has not requested a trade and has no plans to be traded, after rumors surfaced that James would be traded before Thursday’s deadline.
“LeBron will not be traded and we are not asking to be traded.” Paul told ESPN.
The Lakers are just 25-25 and unlikely to contend for a title this season, increasing speculation about James’ immediate future with the organization.
James himself may have fanned the flames. Tweeted hourglass After the Lakers fell below .500 with a loss to the Hawks on Tuesday.
The idea that James would be traded was further strengthened when KTLA reporter David Pingaroa, who has extensive experience covering James news, tweeted: Lakers considering moving James.
“We hear from @nba that @KingJames is at the top of the Lakers’ list of trade candidates for the 39-year-old. Pelinka is looking for the right team to dance with and is approaching suitors. ”Pingalore said.
Pingalore isn’t a national name, but it’s accurate to note that James is considering a return to the Cavaliers after his stint in Miami, with James signing with the Lakers and Kawhi Leonard signing with the Clippers. Reported. As documented in “Awful Annunciation”.
One thing to note is that Pingalore didn’t say a trade was a certainty, but the line “approaching suitors” indicates James could be on the move soon. .
But with Paul, a well-respected NBA agent, coming forward and publicly quashing the rumors, it looks like the Lakers will be trying to rebuild their season instead of rebuilding it.
The Lakers sit ninth in the Western Conference after Thursday’s stunning upset of the Celtics in Boston without James and Anthony Davis and could be a scary team if everything comes together. There is.
James is averaging 24.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game and has a $51.4 million player option for next season.
He has already expressed a desire to play alongside his son, Bronny, who is eligible for the NBA draft, but will need another year of seasoning in college after averaging just 5.6 points and 2.8 rebounds at USC. Might happen.
