LeBron’s Cryptic IG Post Fuels Clippers Rumors

Clippers ‘Best Positioned’ to Sign LeBron Next Summer

James’ cryptic post came on the heels of CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn naming the Clippers as the “best positioned” to sign James next summer.

The Lakers did not offer an extension to James, who opted into his $52.6 million player option and will become an unrestricted free agent after next season.

“On paper, this plan appeals to pretty much everyone involved. James could remain in Los Angeles and stick it to the Lakers. (Clippers owner) Steve Ballmer has been trying to do that ever since he bought the team, and in this case, he could do so without giving up draft picks or cramming his books with long-term salary,” Quinn wrote. “The Clippers could still maintain their long-term flexibility. They’d just be able to do it while attempting to win in the present with James, (James) Harden and (Kawhi) Leonard, who likely wouldn’t require long-term commitments.”

Harden has a $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season. Leonard will be in his final year of his contract, which will pay him $50.3 million for the 2026-27 season.

The Clippers will have the financial flexibility to sign James. But they would also need Harden’s cooperation to opt out and sign for less money to accommodate James.

Lakers No Longer LeBron’s Team

The Lakers showed their hand early this offseason that they are no longer James’ team, which led to Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul’s controversial statement.

The proof is in the pudding.

Exhibit A was the viral video of the aftermath of a private meeting between Luka Doncic, his business manager Lara Beth Seager, Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick following their first-round exit without James.

The most damning evidence was Doncic’s role in the additions of Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, which multiple reports paint him as the chief recruiter.

The Lakers are now Luka’s team. And for the first time in his illustrious career, LeBron is no longer the franchise star — the center around which a team orbits.

Doncic is expected to extend with the Lakers on Aug. 2 at the end of his Jordan Brand tour and before flying back to Slovenia for the EuroBasket preparations.

Rich Paul Hilights LeBron’s No-Trade Clause

Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul set the record straight once and for all amid the LeBron James trade buzz all summer.

Will the Lakers trade James?

“No. No. The man has a no-trade clause. End of story,” Paul said on The “Tylil Show” livestreamed on July 28.

The no-trade clause gives James the ability to veto any trade.

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.