Plenty of big names have already been moved prior to Thursday’s trade deadline. LeBron James won’t join the list. James is expected to finish out the season with the Lakers, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports.
James, 41, has a no-trade clause and would have to approve any deal.
Last month, ESPN’s Baxter Holmes detailed the strained relationship between James and Lakers governor Jeanie Buss, which included a revelation that Buss wanted to trade the record-breaking All-Star at one point earlier in his Lakers tenure. However, that apparently won’t lead to an in-season breakup between James and the organization.
James’ plans beyond this season remain unknown. His contract expires after the season and he hasn’t indicated whether he intends to remain in L.A., join a new team, or retire.
As McMenamin notes, the Cavaliers, Knicks and Warriors are all considered possible destinations for James if he decides to play another year. Each of those teams has been pursuing big deals before the deadline, with Cleveland reportedly reaching an agreement on Tuesday to acquire James Harden.
James is still putting up solid numbers — 21.8 points, 6.6 assists and 5.8 rebounds in 33.1 minutes per game.
Bron gets bought out …………. signs with Knicks on minimum …….. you know he wants one more ring.
He isn’t getting bought out as that would create bad PR. He also 1000% isn’t signing for a minimum deal, he might take a full MLE with a player option if he feels like he can’t get another max or near-max contract.
Why would they buy him out with 30 games left in the season.
On the off chance he did got bought the Lakers would have to pony up a lot of cash to get it done, probably most of remainder of his salary. He would sign for the minimum for the rest of this season then work out an extension in the off season.
Why would they buy him out then try to sign him to a minimum deal? That makes no sense.
Do you know who he is ????
Probably not happening. It’s only way he goes to another Finals. Bron loves the spotlight. His career is OVER. Nobody is trading for him. And nobody is giving him a max contract. This is his last hurrah.
He can sign with anyone he wants if he gets bought out. He doesn’t need the money. He needs a ring and the attention. The Knicks bring tge most attention. Don’t put it past him lols
Please let it be the Knicks, and not the Warriors, in the event he is dealt soon and/or decides to play one more year, KnickerbockerAl. Coming off the bench, playing 15-20 minutes for coach Brown. One more season; one more shot at a ring. I can see it.
LeBron when nobody wants you.
He has a no trade clause.
His pay makes it hard to trade.
We already know he’s not going anywhere. This is another filler article. There’s no team that can match the salary of LeBron. James, so therefore we already know he’s not going anywhere
Yep and water is wet…
LeBron James will not retire after this season. He will have a big press conference sometime this summer or next, likely after a blockbuster trade, so he can be the center of attention, and then he will have his farewell tour. He will get his standing ovations, gifts from opposing teams and video packages while spending the season telling everyone how important he was/is to the game of basketball. His ego wont allow anything less than that.
Agree completely, but he doesn’t need to be traded because he’s on an expiring deal (he’s upset he didn’t get extended). If I were a betting man I’d say he retires in 2-3 seasons, maybe longer depending on if he gets any injuries. Wouldn’t be surprised if he wants to go for oldest NBA player of all time, I think he needs about 5 more seasons for that.
I can see that too.
As it should be.
First of all he won’t be traded he is a free agent. And James wanting a farewell tour is different than the greats who have come before him?
No sh*t
My James is still putting up solid numbers….. Against bad teams. Lakers are back.
how many Flops per game is he putting up 😂 they should really count those in players stats 😂
Thank God. LeBron can still play, and contribute to a championship. But any LeBron trade, at this point, is only 10% about basketball, 90% about the soap opera.
Guys…Shai won’t be dealt either.
Neither will Cade. Or Brunson. Or Jokic.
You’re welcome