NBA Trade Deadline: LeBron James Expected to Stay with Lakers Until Season’s End

As the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaches and several teams considered as potential destinations for LeBron James are involved in negotiations to acquire top talent, the superstar is expected to finish the season with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to league sources reported by ESPN.

Rich Paul Rules Out Any Trade Possibility

LeBron James‘ longtime agent and CEO of Klutch Sports, Rich Paul, had already clarified the situation last December on his podcast « Game Over ». « No », he stated in an episode aired on December 9.

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James, 41 years old, has a no-trade clause and therefore has the ability to approve or reject any deal the Lakers might attempt to arrange. This contractual protection gives him total control over his immediate future.

A Difficult Season for Los Angeles

Since Paul’s statement, the Lakers have dropped from 2nd to 6th place in the Western Conference. The situation became even more tense after the publication of an ESPN article detailing the difficult relationship between James and Lakers controlling owner Jeanie Buss.

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Asked two days after this publication about his intentions to finish the season with the Lakers, James simply responded: « I’m good… I’m good. » A laconic response that did not dispel all doubts about his commitment.

The Future Remains Uncertain Beyond 2025

James‘ plans beyond this season remain unclear. He admitted last week that he doesn’t know if he will retire this summer, while acknowledging that the Lakers‘ game played Wednesday in Cleveland « could very well be » his last in northeast Ohio.

Meanwhile, Cleveland, New York and Golden State – all considered plausible destinations for James if he decides to play next season – have been active in the trade market. The Warriors and Knicks notably engaged in discussions with the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo, while the Cavs finalized the acquisition of James Harden from the LA Clippers.

Sources close to LeBron James view the Cleveland Cavaliers as an ‘obvious destination’ for him this summer, per @joevardon & @ByJasonLloyd

« LeBron James will be a free agent this summer, and if he chooses to play a 24th NBA season, sources close to him said Cleveland would be… pic.twitter.com/uFVMdNCAYe

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 4, 2026

Despite these major moves, LeBron James will not join any new team before the end of this season, thus confirming his record 23rd campaign in the purple and gold jersey.