All signs continue to point to LeBron James possibly being traded.
That’s been one of the hot topics this week.
The 40-year-old exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. Even though he’s under contract with the Lakers, there’s no guarantee he’ll suit up for the storied franchise.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.
“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive, and want what’s best for him.”
If the Lakers field trade calls for James, there’s one team that seems to be the most popular suitor.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Mike Brown is expected to be the next head coach of the New York Knicks.
Brown coached LeBron James during their days in Cleveland.
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James has also not been shy about his affinity for New York City and playing at Madison Square Garden.
The Athletic’s Fred Katz labeled the Knicks among the potential landing spots for James if the Lakers do indeed explore possible trades for the superstar.
One trade possibility would be the two historic teams swapping stars as the Knicks send the Lakers Karl-Anthony Towns in a “chaotic deal.”
“The most chaotic deal would be flipping All-NBA big man Karl-Anthony Towns for James, straight up — two teams betting on the other’s star,” Katz detailed in a story titled, “LeBron James trade fits: Cavs, Warriors, Mavericks and more possibilities.”
“Of course, this could leave the Knicks center-less, given Mitchell Robinson’s injury struggles.
“… The Knicks could justify Towns-for-James with a similar financial argument the Clippers could use in a Leonard-for-James one. New York owes Towns $110 million over the next two seasons. The five-time All-Star has a $61 million player option for 2027-28. Meanwhile, the Knicks are at risk of climbing into the second apron next season, a possibility that does not excite them but could be inevitable if they keep their current top five or six together.”
Brian Windhorst Talks LeBron James-Lakers Trade
During a radio appearance on ESPN Cleveland, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said he’s learned over the last few days that trading James isn’t out of the realm of possibility for the Lakers.
“I would have said four days ago when LeBron opted into his contract, I would have said there was no chance of him getting traded. At the time, I just didn’t think so,” Windhorst said.
“After having conversations over the last three or four days, I’m no longer saying there is no chance. I am not saying it’s likely, but I cannot responsibly say there’s no chance anymore.”
James exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season on Sunday, but his agent made it clear that the 40-year-old “will be closely monitoring the Lakers’ moves and whether the team is positioning itself this offseason to field a title-contending roster.”
