During the NBA offseason, trade rumors circulated about LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, his agent, Rich Paul, sent a clear message to clarify the situation regarding the league’s all-time leading scorer.
The rumors started after James opted into his $52.6 million salary for the 2025-26 season. Paul explained in early July that they wanted to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career, noting that the Lakers are building for the future while James aims to win one more championship.
“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,” Paul told ESPN’s Shams Charania, about James’ future.
Since then, uncertainty has grown about LeBron’s future in the NBA. However, his agent appeared on ‘TylilShow Live’ to deliver a clear message regarding the rumors.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. (Elsa/Getty Images)
“The man has a no-trade clause. End of story. He has a no-trade clause. It’s up to him. He has a no-trade clause,” Paul said. “So in the event when a player has a no-trade clause and a team wants to trade that player, that player can say no. That’s in his contract”.
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LeBron’s name has been linked to potential trades involving the Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Golden State Warriors. However, any trade would only happen if James agrees to it.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer has never been traded since entering the league as the first overall pick by the Cavaliers. Since then, LeBron has only changed teams through free agency, signing with the Heat, Cavaliers, and Lakers in 2010, 2014, and 2018, respectively.
