Feb 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Klutch Sports Clarifies LeBron James Photo at Clippers Facility

Originally posted on Los Angeles Clippers on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Aug 1, 2025 12:06 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers have had a budding in-city rivalry for years. While the Clippers' move to the Intuit Dome to have their own arena certainly helped as the two teams stopped sharing Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena), it has recently caused some confusion.

Lakers superstar forward LeBron James is dealing with an interesting situation this offseason, as many have expected his time with the franchise to be nearing its end. James opted into his player option for the 2025-26 season rather than sign a contract extension, so many are expecting the 40-year-old star to either request a trade or play out the final year of his deal before finding a new team.

The Lakers are essentially viewing LeBron James as an expiring contract, per @WindhorstESPN

( @FirstTake / h/t @ClutchPoints )

pic.twitter.com/EzDPSps6ou
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 2, 2025

Of course, retirement for James will always be on the table, but many fans would be interested in seeing him experiment with a new team. One of those teams mentioned in the potential LeBron James sweepstakes has been, of course, the Clippers. And, a recent post from James only fueled those talks.

LeBron James training at Clippers facility

James posted a picture on Instagram that showed him working out, but with a Clippers logo in the background.

Via LeBron James: "Say whatever you want but you damn sure won't be able to say I didn't put in the WORK!! . We'll see what happens when I no longer exist. Man F this Shhhhhh."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by (@kingjames)

Regardless of the reasoning behind it, James posting a picture with the Clippers logo in the background was due to stir the pot a bit, especially with the rumors swirling of him leaving the Lakers.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Clippers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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