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Cleveland Cavaliers ‘Not That Interested’ in Trading for Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James

Originally posted on Dallas Hoops Journal
By Ashish Mathur | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 5:56 PM ET

Cleveland Cavaliers fans hoping for a LeBron James reunion this NBA offseason shouldn’t hold their breath, as according to Kurt Helin of NBC Sports, the Cavaliers are “not that interested” in trading for the Los Angeles Lakers superstar.

James picked up his player option for next season, but some people around the NBA believe the future Hall of Famer and leading scorer of all time could request a trade from the Lakers if Rob Pelinka doesn’t improve the roster around him.

After James picked up his 2025-26 player option with the Lakers, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group issued a statement to Shams Charania of ESPN and the statement raised a lot of eyebrows.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul said. “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.”

James has played for the Cavaliers twice (2003-04 to 2009-10, 2014-15 to 2017-18). He guided the franchise to its only championship in 2016 against the Golden State Warriors. Cleveland is the lone team in NBA history to erase a 3-1 series deficit in the Finals.

James playing for the Cavaliers again would be cool to see, but there’s no easy path for Cleveland to trade for The King. It would have to be a three-team deal and the Cavaliers would likely have to part ways with Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and De’Andre Hunter.

James turns 41 next season. Even though he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks for the Lakers last season, it doesn’t make sense for the Cavaliers to trade three young players for the oldest guy in the league.

Unless James and the Lakers agree to a buyout, LeBron will be playing in Los Angeles next season. Even if James, who has a no-trade clause in his contract, requests a trade from the Lakers, his salary makes it almost impossible for teams to acquire him.