Big update emerges on LeBron James' status for the trade deadline

LeBron James may be headed for a split with the Los Angeles Lakers … but not quite yet.

James is expected to remain with the Lakers through Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reported on Tuesday. McMenamin adds that James himself expects to finish out the season in Los Angeles and notes that the four-time NBA MVP has a no-trade clause and would have to approve any such deal anyway.

You can read McMenamin’s full report on the situation with James and the Lakers here.

Now 41 years old, James is averaging 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game this season. He is playing out the final year of his contract with the Lakers at $52.6 million before becoming an unrestricted free agent over the summer.

James is reportedly trending towards a break-up with the Lakers come the NBA offseason. Lingering ill will over the team’s failure to offer him a contract extension last offseason as well as Lakers governor Jeanie Buss being unhappy with James’ behavior have been cited as alleged reasons for the impending divorce.

When it comes to next season, three other teams have been linked to a possible free agent pursuit of James. But at least for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, it looks like James will be completing things with the Lakers (albeit as his swan song of sorts in Los Angeles).