The Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason, in large part, has been centered around 40-year-old superstar LeBron James. Last Sunday, James put the retirement rumors to rest by opting into his $52.6 million player option. Still, based on the ridiculously high number of hypothetical trade proposals the 21-time All-Star has been involved in recently (due to his agent’s intriguing post-contract decision comments), the idea of James returning to the Lakers appears not to be a foregone conclusion.
The New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Golden State are unquestionably the three most popular trade destinations for James this summer. However, according to an anonymous NBA scout, the Lakers have only one realistic path forward.
“Please stop this silliness,” the scout told Hoops Wire’s Sam Amico last Wednesday. “There is zero percent chance the Los Angeles Lakers trade LeBron James, even if he demanded it. “Maybe even less than zero. Not happening. Never will.”
In addition to piling on the incessant rumor mill, this particular scout went even further with an ironclad prediction.
“LeBron will play for the Lakers next season and I guarantee that he will be going all out, for the Lakers, with only the Lakers in mind. It’s wildly in his own best interest to do so, and anyone with half a brain understands that.”
James refuses to be a liability on the hardwood as a 6-foot-9 forward past his prime. The 2003 No. 1 overall pick was electric all year, but his 2024-25 campaign was highlighted by his late-season partnership with newcomer Luka Doncic. With Doncic assisting James with distribution and shot-creating responsibilities, the four-time NBA champion was able to assume a less strenuous offensive role during the second half of the season as a perimeter-oriented asset (Austin Reaves’ ascension to stardom was helpful as well).
James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game, shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from deep. Although James failed to help the Lakers advance to the second round of the playoffs, the organization’s recent free agency moves (most notably, the Deandre Ayton signing) should help elevate his spirits entering his 23rd NBA season.
