Several teams have already registered interest in Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James as a potential trade acquisition, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
During Saturday night’s clash between the Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans in the Las Vegas Summer League, McMenamin reported that Rich Paul, James’ agent, was contacted by four teams with interest in trading for the four-time MVP.
Paul previously told ESPN’s Shams Charania that James would be monitoring Los Angeles’ offseason moves to see if the team was attempting to build a roster that can compete for a championship.
“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future,” Paul told Charania. “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 brought in forward Jake LaRavia and center Deandre Ayton in free agency, but James reportedly feels that the team’s mindset is focused on the future.
A change of scenery for the NBA’s all-time leading scorer may not be on the verge of occurring, though.
McMenamin also reported Saturday that James hasn’t asked for a trade and hasn’t discussed the possibility of wanting a trade in the future with Paul.
As things currently stand, the 40-year-old is set to enter the 2025-26 season with the Lakers after picking up his $52.6 million player option and avoiding unrestricted free agency on June 29.
The exact teams that contacted Paul regarding a trade for James is unknown, but ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne reported that the Golden State Warriors showed interest in the 21-time All-Star following the Klutch Sports CEO’s initial comments.
While James hasn’t officially requested a trade from the Lakers, that hasn’t stopped opposing front offices from monitoring his availability.
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