Rival NBA Executives Wondering If LeBron James Would Be Open To Trade

December 9, 2024

LeBron James in another jersey? Don’t count on it. But that hasn’t stopped other NBA teams from dreaming — and dialing up the Lakers.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst dropped an interesting nugget during a recent podcast segment, hinting that conversations are swirling behind the scenes about James’ future with the Lakers.

“I would be lying if I said that there haven’t been some conversations in the league (around), ‘Would LeBron at some point this year revisit that?’” Windhorst said, via RealGM.

Here’s where it gets juicy: apparently, the Warriors were poking around at the trade deadline last season, seeing if LeBron might be interested in making the Bay his new basketball kingdom.

According to Windhorst, “The Lakers went to LeBron and said, ‘Do you seriously want to get traded?’ And he said, ‘No.’”

That’s twice now James has had a clear path to leave L.A., and twice he’s shut it down. Windhorst reminded us that James was also a free agent this past summer.

“He re-signed with the Lakers. LeBron has repeatedly made it clear he wants to be a Laker. And if that’s the case, he’s got a no-trade clause,” Windhorst said. “There’s nothing really to talk about.”

But that doesn’t mean teams like the Warriors have stopped plotting. There’s just one problem — money. Both the Lakers and Warriors are up against the dreaded CBA apron, making blockbuster deals nearly impossible.

“Any trade that the Warriors make is gonna be complicated,” Windhorst said. “(The Warriors) have only $500,000 that they’re allowed to spend more this season.”

And the Lakers? Same boat. “They really can’t take on more money because they’re in the first apron,” Windhorst added.

Oh, and don’t forget the Lakers’ unprotected first-round pick is already headed to Atlanta.

So, barring a LeBron change of heart — which feels about as likely as Steph Curry dunking on Anthony Davis — it’s safe to say the Lakers will remain the King’s court.