LeBron James didn’t ask from Los Angeles, at least not yet.
The 40-year-old locked in his 23rd NBA season after getting a $52.6 million player option, but speculation has not stopped the long-term future spin with the Lakers. With the front desk still under pressure to build a competitor, some around the league want to know about the next deal request.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin said James’ long-time agent Rich Paul put that speech on the ice, but it wasn’t without people’s attention in the process.
“[Rich Paul] “He told me that he didn’t talk with the Lakers about the deal. He did say four teams have contacted him in the last 24 hours and wanted to talk about the deal, but Ritchie didn’t have any substantial conversations with those teams, either.”
“[Rich Paul] Tell me that he didn’t have any discussion with the Lakers about wanting to trade. ”@mcten Rich Paul has no “substantial” conversations with any team that trades LeBron James. pic.twitter.com/xpnppvffnqq
– NBA on ESPN (@epnnba) June 30, 2025
James is still focused on chasing the fifth ring, but his camp is watching closely as the Lakers try to retrain around him and Luka Doncic.
“LeBron is focused on playing in the championship car roster,” McManning added. “A week from now on, when Rob Pelinka finishes his work on this list, if it looks like a win, the reality is going on.”
This pressure has created pressure after first-round playoff exits and growing concerns that Los Angeles may not have the financial flexibility or trade assets needed to build serious property threats.
With the Lakers’ offseason moves still in a bad shape, any move around James may depend on what will happen in the next few weeks.
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