Rumor: Cavaliers, Mavericks, Warriors, Clippers Interested In Trading For Lakers’ LeBron James

According to NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers are interested in trading for Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James. 

Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group told NBA reporter Dave McMenamin of ESPN that four teams have contacted him expressing interest in trading for James. 

The leading scorer in NBA history, James opted in to his 2025-26 player option with the Lakers worth $52.6 million. This is the first time in James’ iconic career that he’s playing on the final year of his contract. 

After James picked up his 2025-26 player option, Paul issued the following statement to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN:

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship. 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.”

The Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 playoffs despite having James and Luka Doncic.

James and Los Angeles are not on the same page right now. 

“Much of the tension appears to stem from the Lakers’ desire to keep their salary-cap sheet as clear as possible starting next summer, allowing them to find Doncic’s future partner either in free agency or via trade, when they’ll have access to use first-round picks in 2026, 2031 and 2033 for a single trade,” NBA reporter Dan Woike of The Athletic wrote. 

James, 40, has a no-trade clause in his contract. He’s still an elite offensive force, as he made the All-NBA Second Team last season and finished sixth in MVP voting.