A top NBA insider has revealed new evidence that further points to the Los Angeles Lakers shipping LeBron James out of LaLa Land this summer.
Over the last week, speculation has intensified that James is not a lock to be in a Lakers uniform next season. While he opted into the final year of his contract for $52 million, his agent made it clear that his client wants to see the team do all it can to improve the roster for a title run in 2025-26. However, the team is thinking long-term with new top star Luka Doncic . And those plans may not align with James'.
That is why a trade out of LA seems as possible as ever. As he seeks to win one more title before retiring in the next two years. And on Wednesday, ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst offered more evidence that a trade could be coming soon.
LeBron James stats (2024-25): 24.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 8.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 378% 3PT
"The Lakers and LeBron, whoever wants to spin their side of the story, I'm not sure what happened, but the Lakers and LeBron did not have substantive discussions about extending his contract," Windhorst reported today on ESPN's First Take [h/t Bleacher Report ]. "Which every team that LeBron's been on for 20-something years has wanted to have substantive conversations about extending his contract. And what happens to expiring contracts in the NBA? They're viewed as trade pieces."
There has been a lot of speculation about what teams could potentially target a James trade. If he asks the Lakers for one this summer. But a team that can be ruled out is his first and third club, the Cleveland Cavaliers .
NBC Sports NBA insider Kurt Helin reported this week, "the Cavaliers are not that interested" in a third partnership with the league legend before he calls it a career.
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