Even after trading for Luka Doncic, LeBron James remains the biggest subject of speculation for the Los Angeles Lakers. Doncic, after all, signed a maximum contract extension through 2028-29. The deal also sets him up to sign a massive five-year deal when his current contract is up.
James, on the other hand, is going to be an unrestricted free agent next summer. The Lakers have made it clear that they want him to retire in Los Angeles, whenever that might be. While that seems likely, James has been linked to the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Dallas Mavericks.
As the Lakers look to build around Doncic, there is a chance James gets moved at or before the February 6 trade deadline. One Lakers’ insider weighed in on that possibility.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers star LeBron James waves to the crowd during a game against the Phoenix Suns.
Los Angeles Lakers Trade Deadline Prediction
James still boasts a no-trade clause, and his $52.6 million salary makes moving him hard. On top of that, would any team want to invest serious assets in a 41-year-old mulling retirement?
Plus, James and the Lakers are entering this season with a strong relationship. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, James is expected to finish this season in Hollywood.
“I think LeBron is going to play out this year with the Lakers,” stated Lakers’ insider Jovan Buha on the September 25th episode of Buha’s Block. “He seems to be leaning toward playing at least one more year, if not longer, but not much longer. So it feels like there are a lot of ways that can play out. I think that the more interesting thing for me is if LeBron is going to be a Laker next offseason.”
While pressing questions are mounting, Buha doesn’t expect a clear answer until next summer, giving plenty of time for speculation to mount.
“I feel like if I had to project it one way or the other, I would project it more so not,” he said of a possible deadline deal. “I think it’s very close to 50/50 at this point. And, you know, that’s more just like a gut reaction based on how everything has played out this summer, at least publicly. So I think it’s close. But I don’t think he asks out by the deadline.”
James has teased demanding a trade ever since he arrived in Los Angeles in 2018. So far, all conflicts with the team and front office have been resolved, so any would-be issues this season should be expected to follow suit.
LeBron James Remains Elite for Los Angeles Lakers
Father Time remains undefeated, they say.
LeBron James has been the exception to that rule. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. He made the All-NBA Second Team, and it’s hard to label him a “legacy pick.” He was genuinely one of the top ten healthy players last season.
With Doncic seemingly ready to take on a bigger playmaking and scoring role, and Austin Reaves breaking out as a star, James should be comfortable taking a back seat. He is still able to maximize his talent and can be a great player on a winning team.
James has long made it clear that he wants to catch Michael Jordan, and the only advantage His Airness has over The King is six rings to four. James likely won’t match Jordan in that regard, but if he can slot into the third scoring option and remain an elite facilitator, it’s hard to imagine Los Angeles struggling.
There might be doubts surrounding James and his age, but until he shows that he is rapidly slowing down, he is still one of the best players in the world. The Lakers aren’t in any rush to part ways with a player of his caliber.
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