Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) brings the ball up court against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Insider Urges East Contender to Make Blockbuster LeBron James Trade

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Aug 24, 2025 3:00 PM ET

LeBron James has let trade rumors swirl around him this offseason after it was pretty clear he wasn't pleased with the fact that the Los Angeles Lakers have decided to start building around Luka Doncic.

James is still a very good player, but he is 40 years old now. It makes sense that the Lakers are starting to build the franchise around Doncic, as he is one of the best players in the league.

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Because of the perceived unhappiness of James, one insider believes that one Eastern Conference contender should make a move to trade for him.

Insider believes the Knicks should approach the Lakers about a LeBron James trade

Kristian Winfield of The New York Daily News believes that the Knicks should try to make a move to acquire James from the Lakers. He cites the fact that the East is weak as a reason to make a move now.

"The East is wide open. If the Knicks land LeBron, they instantly become the favorites," Winfield writes. "A Big Three of James, Brunson, and Towns would rival Oklahoma City’s trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren as the best in basketball."

Of course, the Lakers would want a haul in return for James if they ever decided to trade him. James has a no-trade clause, so he would have to approve of any trade.

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New owner Mark Walter doesn't want to be known as the guy who trades away one of the best players in the history of the league, so that doesn't seem likely.

The Los Angeles Lakers likely will not trade LeBron James this season

James has never been traded in his long, illustrious career. He has waited until free agency to change teams, and that's something that he's proud of when it comes to his legacy.

It's highly unlikely that changes at this stage of his career, when he only has a couple of years left of playing anyway. If he wants to leave Los Angeles, he can do so at the end of the year by opting out of his deal.

This past season, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game.