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

NBA Insider Provides Massive Update on LeBron James Trade

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 12:02 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers have tried their best to keep LeBron James since he has been with the team. They have made moves that they think James would like, including trading for Anthony Davis and Luka Doncic.

At this point in his career, James is focused on doing whatever it takes to win another ring. He is trying to win his fifth championship, although he has tried to downplay the impact of ring culture.

Rich Paul released a very strange statement recently, seemingly indicating that James will monitor the roster and possibly ask for a trade if he doesn't like what he sees.

Rumors have been swirling that James could somehow force his way out at some point this season, despite the fact that he just opted into his contract.

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, there have been no trade talks between James and the Lakers. There also haven't been any extension talks.

"There has been no trade talk, there has been no extension talk."@ChrisBHaynes reports on his recent call with Rich Paul and rumors around LeBron's future in Los Angeles pic.twitter.com/GmyQf8xkXW
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 30, 2025

"I wanted to get some clarity from him (Rich Paul). What he is saying on behalf of LeBron James is that LeBron James has a few years left to play, and he's still playing at a high level, and he wants to win."

Haynes also went on to say that James understands that Luka Doncic is the priority and winning on his timeline is something the Lakers are trying to do.

James just wants to be a priority as well, and that's what he wants to convey. The Lakers are trying the best they can to walk that tightrope of two timelines.

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The Lakers still believe that they have a chance to win the NBA championship this season. James also believes that. Still, they have to fill in some roster holes in order to do that.

Los Angeles still needs to add a starting center and some perimeter defenders to the roster. Getting those two things would go a long way in increasing their chances of winning a title in the next couple of years.

This season, at age 40, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game.

More Los Angeles Lakers news: Lakers Insider Reveals One Player is Team's 'Top Priority' in Free Agency

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For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.

This article first appeared on FanNation All Lakers and was syndicated with permission.

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