Lakers Not Trading LeBron James, But They Should Do Something

LeBron James leaving the Lakers? Sure, it’s a fun “what if” to toss around at the bar or during your morning coffee. Especially when you think about how effortlessly he meshed with Stephen Curry during the Olympics.

The idea of James in Warriors blue and gold is tantalizing. But let’s be real — this is just basketball daydreaming.

As ESPN reported, LeBron has been consistent, almost stubbornly so: He’s a Laker through and through, and if there’s any roster shakeup on the horizon, it’s about adding pieces, not LeBron packing his bags.

Here’s the kicker: James holds all the cards. That no-trade clause? It’s like an “off-limits” sign slapped on him.

Unless LeBron strolls into Jeanie Buss’ office and demands an exit, there’s no movement.

“It’s not even a discussion,” one league exec told ESPN. Translation: James stays put unless he says otherwise.

That’s not to say the Lakers don’t have their own problems. D’Angelo Russell’s $18.6 million expiring contract? Sure, it’s a trade chip.

Toss in a couple of far-off first-rounders (2029 and 2031, for crying out loud), and GM Rob Pelinka might be able to swing something. But is it enough to fix their glaring holes at point guard and center? Doubtful.

Rival scouts seem to agree — it’s a long shot. The Lakers are stuck in a balancing act, trying to appease LeBron while figuring out how to maximize their limited assets.

For now, the biggest moves in L.A. aren’t about sending LeBron elsewhere — they’re about trying to build a winner around him.

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