LeBron James' agent makes clear statement on Lakers trade rumors
Agent Rich Paul made it crystal clear that his most famous client, LeBron James, is staying with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Paul discussed the swirling trade rumors surrounding the four-time MVP with ESPN on Friday.
"LeBron won't be traded, and we aren't asking to be," the agent said, per ESPN's Brian Windhorst.
Earlier this week following a loss against the Atlanta Hawks, James posted a cryptic message on social media, simply leaving an hourglass emoji to leave fans and media speculating. James hasn't talked with reporters about the message and sat out Thursday night's road win against the rival Boston Celtics due to an ankle injury.
Windhorst reported Friday that the Lakers have been "active in trade talks over the past month."
Los Angeles was a season-best five games above .500 at 14-9 following their win against the New Orleans Pelicans in the in-season tournament semifinals on Dec. 7. The Lakers have gone just 11-16 since, including a pair of four-game losing streaks between Dec. 15 and Jan. 5.
King James has a $51.4M player option in his contract for the 2024-25 season and has until June 29 to exercise the option. His oldest son, Bronny (a USC freshman guard) is eligible to enter the NBA Draft this year, an event that is slated for June 26-27.
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