As Los Angeles Lakers fans process the stunning trade for Luka Dončić, they can rest easy on one thing: LeBron James reportedly isn't going anywhere. James plans to stay with Los Angeles beyond Thursday's trade deadline, per multiple reports.
James is choosing to stay with the Lakers in the aftermath of a blockbuster, mind-melting three-team trade that sent Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round draft pick to Dallas in exchange for Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. But by sticking around, the 40-year-old forward will have a chance to pair up with Dončić as an All-Star duo.
James signed a two-year, $104 million deal in July to stay with the Lakers. The deal includes a player option and a no-trade clause, which James would have had to waive in order to request a trade to another team.
James, who has played for the Lakers since 2018, has fended off trade rumors before. Last year, the Golden State Warriors showed interest in the four-time NBA MVP, but James eventually turned them down. Although he did not address the rumors directly, James told reporters during the 2024 All-Star weekend that he wanted to retire as a Laker.
"I am a Laker, and I've been very happy being a Laker the last six years, and hopefully it stays that way," said James.
James will be playing in the 2025 All-Star game on Feb. 16 for a record 21st time. He was announced as a Western Conference starter last week.
