Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has been the subject of major trade rumors for the past year or so. Many of these rumors were put to bed after the four-time champion signed a new two-year deal to remain in Los Angeles in the offseason. However, in the wake of the Lakers’ relatively slow start, some, including ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, have suggested the possibility of a trade is not fully off the table. Regardless, Windhorst recently provided an update that suggests James is aiming to stay with the Lakers despite the newest rumors (YouTube link).
“I’m a gigantic actions over words guy and LeBron’s actions at last year’s trade deadline when he rejected the interest from the Warriors last summer. He sat there and offered to take less money from the Lakers if they could find somebody in free agency. They didn’t and then he went ahead and signed a three-year contract with a no trade clause anyway,” Windhorst said.
“All of those actions make it extremely clear he wants to be a Laker. That said, we have two months basically, two months from right now is when the trade deadline is- if he changes his mind, I promise you it will get public and we will all know. But right now he wants to be a Laker and he’s focused on having the Lakers help him get some defensive players.”
Major LeBron James Update Emerges Amid Los Angeles Lakers Trade Rumors
Western Conference Contender Still Pursuing LeBron James Trade?
One of the teams that reportedly had interest in landing James last year was the Golden State Warriors. Like James, the Warriors’ championship window is closing as Stephen Curry and Draymond Green approach the end of their careers. Ultimately, no trade came to fruition. However, according to Windhorst, the Warriors may not give up on their pursuit of James just yet.
“But who else is on their list and that’s LeBron James. I know that this is one of the most fascinating opportunities in the league. It’s a delicious scenario to think about. The Warriors have dreamed of pairing LeBron with Steph Curry and Draymond Green since last year. They’ve made an inquiry and it got shut down last February. That was before LeBron played with Steve Kerr and Steph Curry and won the gold medal over the summer, so they will definitely monitor the situation and I don’t think they do anything without knowing this door is locked,” Windhorst said.
Over one month into the season, the Warriors are 14-9. While this is a good record on its own, they have lost six of their last eight games. Still, the Warriors are looking like potential championship contenders once again. As they are looking to maximize their championship window, acquiring James could help them go all the way once again.
Former LeBron James Teammate Suggests Lakers Would Entertain a Possible Trade
In a recent appearance on First Take, Kendrick Perkins, who was briefly teammates with James on the Cleveland Cavaliers, suggested the 39-year-old could be on his way out if he desires.
“My sources tell me that if LeBron James at any point comes out and says that he wants to be traded or he wants to entertain it, they’re going to entertain it,” Perkins said. “It ain’t no holding him back.”
Perkins is not necessarily a reliable news-breaker. Regardless, it is still an interesting narrative that could be worth following for the rest of the season. James does have a no-trade clause, and the Lakers would be wise to trade him for assets in return if he truly wants out. At this point, however, this does not seem likely.
The Last Word
Though he has appeared in recent trade rumors, it seems unlikely the Lakers would move on from James. The Ohio native is nearing the end of his NBA career and has made it clear he enjoys being with the Lakers. A lot can change from now until the end of the season. However, many believe James will retire as a member of the Lakers. Even though they are a Play-In team as it stands, this idea does not appear to have changed just yet.
