The trade buzz surrounding LeBron James has died down after reports surfaced that he and the Los Angeles Lakers never discussed a buyout or wanting a trade.
However, 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.
Hollinger’s colleagues at The Athletic, Joe Vardon and Dan Woike, earlier reported that James is expected to still be with the Lakers for training camp once the season begins this fall, citing league sources.
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.
@chrisdoesstuff28 (Via LakersAllDayEveryDay and Via Hollywood famous) Luka, JJ, and Rob were seen leaving dinner together last night in LA… Looks like they were discussing some sort of business(Via LakersAllDayEveryDay and Via Hollywood famous) Luka, JJ, #and #Rob #were #seen #leaving #dinner #together #last #night #in LA… #Looks #like #they #were #discussing #some #sort #of #business#fyp #foryoupage
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.
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.
Rich Paul’s Controversial Statement
When James picked up his $52.6 million player option, without a contract extension offer, Paul issued a strong statement to ESPN that ignited the trade rumors and buyout speculations.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul told ESPN’s Shams Charania. “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. The Lakers improved the roster this offseason. But at the behest of Doncic, not James.
“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.”
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