LeBron James‘ future with the Los Angeles Lakers has been a topic of conversation all summer. Rumors have linked him with a move to multiple teams, despite him opting into his $52.6 million player option earlier this summer.
One of the most consistent rumors has been surrounding a potential move to the Golden State Warriors. On Friday, August 22, NBA Insider Jake Fischer once again noted the Warriors would be willing to do business with the Lakers, should LeBron decide to move on ahead of the new season.
However, Jovan Buha doesn’t believe that the rumor is coming from the Lakers camp. Instead, he thinks the Warriors are pushing that narrative to placate a fanbase that’s frustrated by a lack of movement this summer.
“I would assume this came out from the Warriors side,” Buha said. “…They’ve had a rough summer. They have not been able to make any moves because of this Kuminga situation. It’s been drama-filled, but also stagnant at the same time…But it also benefits the Warriors to make their front office, their organization, look like they’re trying to do something.”
Pairing LeBron and Stephen Curry would undoubtedly be a dream scenario. However, the Lakers are unlikely to move on from James ahead of the upcoming season. Instead, it’s far more likely they let his contract run down and then make a decision regarding his tenure with the franchise ahead of his unrestricted free agency next summer.
“So I don’t make much of it, to be completely honest. I think it’s status quo, and until LeBron asks out and specifically asks out to the Warriors or to a subset of teams, then I don’t make much of this,” Buha added.
Lakers Aren’t Interested in Trading LeBron James
Shortly after Fischer’s report surfaced on social media, ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel reported that Los Angeles hasn’t been interested in moving James, despite consistent speculation over his future.
“This has been the case since their hard push before the ’24 deadline,” Siegel reported. “They then checked in at the start of this offseason, and then again after the player option. Nothing has changed, and the Lakers aren’t interested.”
LeBron will likely be the second option on the Lakers next season, with Luka Doncic taking a leading role. This shouldn’t come as a surprise. LeBron was vocal about wanting Anthony Davis to assume a similar role during his final two years with the franchise.
LeBron Is Still a Star For The Lakers
The Lakers may have built their roster around Doncic, but that doesn’t mean LeBron isn’t viewed as a star talent. Even at his advancing age, LeBron remains a top-20 or top-25 talent in the NBA, particularly on offense.
Last season, LeBron suited up for 70 games. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists, shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from 3-point range. If he can sustain that level of offensive output, while holding his own on defense, the Lakers will still lean on him throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
The fact that LeBron is still drawing so much trade interest at age 40 is a testament to his talent. For now, LeBron and the Lakers will focus on a championship.
What happens after that is anybody’s guess.
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