LeBron James’ camp has had the basketball world talking ever since the superstar exercised his player option for the 2025-26 season. On the day he made that decision, Rich Paul, his longtime agent, made a public statement that many interpreted as a harbinger of a possible trade request.
It coincides with a sea change in how the Lakers have been looking to do business. Ever since landing generational superstar Luka Doncic in February, they have aimed to build their roster around and for Doncic. That means that, for the first time in his basketball life, James’ team doesn’t revolve around him.
According to an ESPN report, Paul did notify both Doncic and the Lakers before releasing his statement on June 29.
It is starting to appear that Paul’s statement may have been a reaction to the Lakers’ decision to start winding down James’ tenure with them rather than anything preemptive. According to that report by ESPN, the team didn’t offer James an extension that would’ve kept him in the fold past the 2025-26 season.
While some have said James has dropped at least one hint that he’s ready to move on from the Purple and Gold right now, he remains a member of the team — at least for now.
