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Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James Shares Big Update Ahead of Game 3 vs. Timberwolves 2 Mar 8, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) calls a play against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

'Rich Paul Said 4 Teams Contacted Him' – LeBron James’ Agent Addresses Trade Rumors Amid the Lakers’ Plan to Focus on 5x All-Star

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 11:06 AM ET

Even at 40 years of age, LeBron James is still determined to compete for an NBA championship as he enters his 23rd season. However, recent reports suggest that the Los Angeles Lakers are planning on focusing on building around five-time All-Star guard Luka Doncic. As a result, there have been trade discussions about James, which may portend the end of a chapter in his Lakers career.

Since winning the Larry O’Brien trophy in 2020, the Lakers have struggled to stay competitive. Injuries have been an issue for the team, with All-Star forward Anthony Davis often missing time. Additionally, the roster’s construction has been inconsistent.

The front office couldn’t keep some of the most important players. They lost Alex Caruso, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Rajon Rondo and JaVale McGee. Without a solid supporting cast, James and the Lakers weren’t a threat in the Western Conference.

James is the only player remaining from the 2020 group, and his time might be nearing its end. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported on Monday’s episode of “NBA Today” that he recently reached out to Rich Paul. The longtime agent of the four-time champion clarified that there haven’t been any trade talks between the star player and the team.

However, a few teams have reached out to Paul regarding a trade for James.

“(LeBron) hasn’t had any discussions with the Lakers about wanting a trade,” McMenamin said on ‘NBA Today.’ “(Rich Paul) said four teams contacted him in the last 24 hours wanting to talk trades, but Rich didn’t have any substantive conversations with those teams either.”

Earlier reports indicate that LeBron James and the Lakers have a mutual understanding of what both sides want. James wants to continue to contend, while the organization wants to start building around Doncic. However, no one has indicated any sign of a potential trade.

NBA insider hints LeBron James might leave the Lakers for a better shot at winning his fifth title

Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James Takes Subtle Shot at Players-Turned-Analysts: 'Oh my goodness' 78 Mar 26, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates his game winning shot against the Indiana Pacers with teammates at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

ESPN’s Shams Charania hinted that LeBron James and the Lakers might not be seeing eye-to-eye. On Monday, Charania said that the future Hall of Fame superstar is closely evaluating his situation with the organization.

“For his part, at this point in his career, at his age 40 years old going on 41, he wants to compete for a championship. Wherever that may be, in Los Angeles or there are conversations to be had at another point,” Charania said.

On LeBron James and the Lakers for the midnight @SportsCenter: pic.twitter.com/XPK4lSo065

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025

“LeBron James is very closely eveluating, essentially how this goes with the Lakers and where he would want his career to be as he winds down… What we’re seeing right now is essentially a moment of truth between LeBron James and the Lakers.”

So far, the only move the Lakers have made is the signing of Jake LaRavia. The team also lost Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets and hasn’t signed a center to pair with Doncic.

Analyst: LeBron James' Shocking Game 2 Issue Could Spell Trouble for the Los Angeles Lakers 5 Apr 8, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James warms up before the start of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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