While his name hasn’t been mentioned as much as some other NBA stars, LeBron James has had some trade rumors surrounding him in what could be his final season. But on Tuesday, his agent all but assured that his client will remain with the Los Angeles Lakers after February’s trade deadline.
LeBron James Will Remain With The Lakers, Says Rich Paul
The soon-to-be 41-year-old James has kept his options open over the years. There were previous reports that he and his management were “keeping an eye” on the Lakers’ front office, and there is always the usual summer drama that follow the expirations of his short-term contracts.
But Los Angeles is winning, despite career-low numbers from the leading scorer in NBA history. And if he wants to win one more championship on his way out the door, there may be no better spot for LeBron James to be in.
Fans wondering about LeBron James’ future can put trade speculation to rest — at least for now.
Rich Paul, James’ agent and CEO of Klutch Sports, said James will finish the season as a Laker. pic.twitter.com/MrXzRFOJIZ
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) December 9, 2025
According to front-office sources, there have been no formal conversations about a trade.
On Tuesday, Rich Paul, LeBron’s agent and CEO of Klutch Sports, talked about the subject on his new podcast via The Ringer.
When asked directly whether LeBron could be dealt before the 2025–26 trade deadline, Paul left little room for interpretation. “No,” Paul replied flatly when asked if James might end the season anywhere other than L.A. “Where’s he gonna go?”
Paul has been clear that while James isn’t seeking a trade, he remains keenly aware of where the Lakers stand competitively.
That statement carries considerable weight because James holds a no-trade clause, meaning no trade can happen unless he agrees. In June, LeBron opted into his $52.6 million player option for 2025–26. At the time, as Paul told reporters, James emphasized that he “wants to compete for a championship,” while acknowledging that the Lakers are “building for the future.”
James Has Struggled, But Lakers Have Been Winning
James hasn’t been his reliable, dominant self in his 23rd NBA season. He has been in and out of the lineup while nursing injuries, and his effectiveness has shown a noticeable decline in his limited appearances. Heading into Tuesday, James is averaging 16.1 points and 4.7 rebounds, both career-lows that include his rookie season.
Fun Fact: LeBron James has more Finals appearances (10) than games with single-digit points (9). pic.twitter.com/ne8fLEgo9Y
— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 5, 2025
Despite his struggles, the Lakers have been one of the top teams in the league over the first month and a half. They currently sit at 17-6 and are in second place in the brutal Western Conference, and have seen a major uptick in production from Austin Reaves, who should make his first All-Star game this season.
In fact, Reaves is on track to take James’ spot on the All-Star roster. It will be the first time that LeBron has been left out of the event since 2004.
