The Los Angeles Lakers, despite starting the 2024-25 NBA season hot, are now 13-11 and own the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. Furthermore, they have lost seven of their last 10 games. In the midst of their recent slump, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently reported that some rival teams around the league could pursue a trade to acquire LeBron James (YouTube link). Furthermore, he mentioned the Golden State Warriors‘ pursuit of the four-time champion last season.
“I would be lying if I said that there haven’t been some conversations in the league (about), ‘Would LeBron at some point this year revisit that?’” said Windhorst. “Because you remember last year at the trade deadline, the Warriors called.”
James signed a two-year, $101.3 million contract over the summer. This contract includes a $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. Furthermore, he has a no-trade clause.
Rival NBA Teams Could Pursue Trade for Los Angeles Lakers Star
A LeBron James Trade From the Los Angeles Lakers Is Unlikely
Windhorst mentioned that, while the possibility is there, it is not likely that the Lakers will move on from James. The ESPN personality most notably pointed to James having two opportunities to leave Los Angeles in the last 10 months. Regardless, he opted to stay with the Lakers, where many expect he will end his career.
“Twice in the last 10 months, LeBron has had an opportunity to leave the Lakers. One, at the trade deadline last year when the Warriors called. The Lakers went to LeBron and said, ‘Do you seriously want to get traded?’ He said, ‘No.’ Last summer he became a free agent. He re-signed with the Lakers,” Windhorst said.
“LeBron has repeatedly made it clear he wants to be a Laker. And if that’s the case, he’s got a no-trade clause. There’s nothing really to talk about.”
Furthermore, Windhorst mentioned that any trade involving James would be difficult for the Lakers to pull off due to financial reasons.
“But I just want to say a couple of things. First off, any trade that the Warriors make is gonna be complicated. (The Warriors) have only $500,000 that they’re allowed to spend more in this season. It’s first, second apron stuff — I know it’s boring. Any trade that they make, they really can’t take on more money. Guess what? The Lakers are not allowed to take on any money because they’re in the first apron.”
The Last Word
Even as he approaches his 40th birthday, James is still a top player in the NBA. Through 23 games, the Ohio native is averaging 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 9.1 assists. Additionally, he is shooting 49.5% from the field and 35.9% from the three-point line. However, despite James’ solid play, the Lakers remain in the middle of the pack. As a team, the Lakers currently rank as the 13th-best offensive unit and the 26th-best defensive unit. Furthermore, their -3.7 net rating ranks as the 20th-best in the NBA.
At this point, it makes sense for the Lakers to ride it out with James as long as they can. If the team wants to win another banner any time soon, it would be in their best interest. Still, it will be interesting to see if anything changes as the season progresses. James will likely remain with the Lakers through the season. However, if Windhorst’s comments are a sign, James’ status for the rest of the year could be worth following.
