LeBron’s Agent Drops Truth Bomb on Lakers Trade Rumors: ‘End of Story’

Previously, Paul’s strong statement after James exercised his $52.6 million player option without a contract extension offer from the Lakers fueled speculations that he wants out.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul told ESPN’s Shams Charania on June 29, before the NBA Free Agency opened. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”

Paul also added that James will closely monitor the Lakers’ offseason.

“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future,” Paul continued. “We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”

Since then, the Lakers have added former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton, former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia without surrendering their lone first-round pick draft capital and their expiring salaries.

LeBron Starts Offseason Training Early

On July 16, The Athletic reported, citing league and team sources, that the Lakers have received “no indication” of a forthcoming trade request or buyout talks from James or his representatives.

The Athletic further added that James is expected to be with the Lakers when the training camp opens in the fall.

James showed up to the Lakers’ NBA Summer League games to support his son and teammate, Bronny James. But he also engaged with several of the coaching staff and his teammates, including new additions Ayton and LaRavia.

James has also been back to the gym since undergoing knee surgery following their first-round exit in the last playoffs.

Still a Volatile Situation, Former Exec Warns

While Paul officially shut down the trade rumors, former Memphis Grizzlies executive John Hollinger, who is now a front office insider for The Athletic, warned that it’s still a volatile situation waiting to erupt if things go south in Los Angeles.

Hollinger still views the Dallas Mavericks, based on whispers he’s heard, as James’ potential next destination. But for now, James is a Laker.

“Nonetheless, this situation bears watching from both sides, particularly if L.A. starts the regular season slowly. The Lakers set themselves up to have max cap room next summer once James’ salary comes off their books, taking advantage of an artificially low cap hold for Austin Reaves. If that’s their angle, wouldn’t it make sense to cash in their James stock if they aren’t challenging at the top of the West?” Hollinger wrote on July 21.

If the situation becomes untenable in Los Angeles, Hollinger presented the ideal scenario for the 40-year-old star.

“Meanwhile, James has some power to choose his next destination via a no-trade clause, but free agency isn’t what it used to be. The best realistic way for him to get paid next summer by his team of choice is to land at his preferred destination via trade, and then have intact Bird rights in the summer of 2026,” Hollinger wrote.