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Byron Scott gives verdict on whether LA Lakers will trade LeBron James, as ‘five years’ prediction made

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 4:00 PM ET

Byron Scott believes the LA Lakers have a plan when it comes to LeBron James, who isn’t going to go away any time soon.

LeBron James is nearing the end of his career. While the Los Angeles Lakers star is still playing at a superstar level at 40 years of age, he is winding down and doesn’t have much time left in the NBA.

James activated his Lakers $52.6 million player option, a rare occurrence as he would regularly extend his contract with the team every summer.

This led to speculation that James was looking to leave the Lakers. His agent, Rich Paul, said that James wanted to compete for an NBA championship and will consider leaving the Lakers if he needs to.

But over the last few days, James and the Lakers have seemingly come to an understanding and will work together to build a contender.

James is looking to stay with the Lakers and win a championship. But how long does he even have left in his career? Well, according to one former NBA star, we can expect James to see out the rest of this decade.

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Olden Polynice says LeBron James will play for five more years

Olden Polynice spoke to Byron Scott on their podcast about what LeBron James’ future looks like with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Polynice believes James still has plenty in the tank and will continue to play until he reaches the age of 45, and that he isn’t actually serious about competing for a championship.

“LeBron has shown us who he is. He’s got all the records. The man should have retired three years ago. But he hasn’t.

“Let me do something that no one’s done. When he gets to 45, he’s going to look at it and go, ‘Damn, I’m still in shape. I can still go.’

“He hasn’t got to the ‘stealing years’ yet. Is he chasing rings? He’d have to go to OKC to get a ring.”

Byron Scott says LA Lakers won’t trade LeBron James

Byron Scott further spoke about the LA Lakers’ timeline with LeBron James, predicting that it won’t happen, and that he will stay with the team till at least 2027.

“No, I don’t [think he gets traded]. It’s possible, but I don’t think it’s probable.

“I don’t see him leaving LA I don’t see the Lakers trading him. I think he’s going to stay another two years max.”

If the Lakers get to hold on to LeBron James for another two years, that may complicate their team-building plans.

While James is sticking around with the Lakers this season, their plans might not have gone beyond this year.

The Lakers are building beyond LeBron James around Luka Doncic for their long-term future. But should James stick around, presumably on max salary, that makes the Lakers’ ability to sign solid players a lot harder.

For now, we can expect James to stay with the LA Lakers. But anything beyond next season shouldn’t be treated as a given.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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