Getty Image
LeBron James is not leaving the Lakers anytime soon.
On Thursday night, a KTLA sports news anchor reported that he heard the Lakers were attempting to trade LeBron to another team.
Hearing from @nba peeps @KingJames is the top of the @Lakers list to trade the 39 year old. Pelinka is looking for the right team to dance with and is close to a suitor Lbj and AD both out tonight. @KTLA @KTLA5SPORTS #nba #Lakers
Hearing from @nba peeps @KingJames is the top of the @Lakers list to trade the 39 year old. Pelinka is looking for the right team to dance with and is close to a suitor Lbj and AD both out tonight. @KTLA @KTLA5SPORTS #nba #Lakers
— David pingalore (@DavidPingalore) February 1, 2024
Pingalore’s report went so viral that it prompted an immediate response from LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, who denied the rumors while speaking to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
Via ESPN
LeBron James will remain with the Los Angeles Lakers, agent Rich Paul made clear to ESPN on Friday.
“LeBron won’t be traded, and we aren’t asking to be,” Paul said in reaction to some growing speculation about James’ future ahead of next week’s trade deadline.
James may have contributed to the swirl by putting an hourglass emoji on his X account this week after a loss in Atlanta. He hasn’t spoken to reporters since to clarify the message, missing the Lakers’ victory Thursday in Boston with an ankle injury.
LeBron has seemed unhappy with the team on the court and on social media, but it appears he will stick out with the Lakers for the rest of the season even though they might miss the playoffs.