In the fallout of the Anthony Davis–Luka Dončić between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers, speculation is fair about another superstar’s immediate future. Despite the unexpected blockbuster development, the Lakers have no concern over LeBron James asking for a trade. The NBA’s all-time scoring leader is expected to stay right where he is. At least, that’s the case for this season.
Lakers Not Worried About A LeBron James Trade Request
Despite Trading Anthony Davis, Lakers Expect LeBron James to Stick Around This Season
There appears to be an obsession over LeBron’s presence in Los Angeles. According to some, he should be looking for an exit out. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith called for LeBron to want to be traded to the Golden State Warriors or New York Knicks on Get Up and reiterated it on his morning show, First Take, earlier today. Questions surrounding LeBron’s on-court fit with Luka are in the air. Another question is whether this move that Rob Pelinka pulled off has anything to do with this current season or the future of the Lakers solely. Still, amidst all the noise, the Lakers believe LeBron has no desire to leave or be traded. According to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, Pelinka and the Lakers aren’t concerned with LeBron suddenly changing course.
“According to people familiar with the Lakers’ thinking not authorized to speak publicly, the team has little to no fear that James will want to leave via a trade this season,” Woike reported Monday. “He can opt out of his contract that’s set to pay him more than $52 million next summer and become an unrestricted free agent, but that’s not an immediate concern for the Lakers.”
For now, the Lakers will witness what a LeBron-Luka duo can produce on the court together. Additionally, it’ll happen under JJ Redick, who has solid off-court relationships with each player. At least for this season, and possibly another, LeBron remains a Laker. Of course, there is still time for another surprise blockbuster trade to shake the league.
It’s More Then Basketball, It’s About Life
It’s no secret that LeBron James’s business extends far beyond the basketball court into media and entertainment. His interests, apart from the NBA, are directly connected to Los Angeles. Whether he has or will admit to it, it has to be a reason why he has no desire to leave. LeBron’s loyalty to the Lakers franchise has remained since he arrived. His loyalty is admirable despite the mishandling of certain players, trades, and missed opportunities for which Pelinka is responsible.
James has had numerous opportunities to pack his bags and take his talents elsewhere. However, each time, and with each extension he’s agreed to, he’s decided the Lakers are where he wants to be. The Lakers are within good reason not to be worried over LeBron suddenly wanting out. What he does with his player option next year is another story. That said, the idea of LeBron playing elsewhere for what could be his final season seems unrealistic. Of course, there is always the possibility that he finds his way to Golden State to play with Steph Curry for one last crack at the trophy.
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