LeBron James is set to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers beyond the upcoming NBA trade deadline on Thursday.
This decision will see the four-time MVP team up with Luka Doncic, creating another high-profile partnership in James’ legendary career.
The 40-year-old James signed a two-year extension with the Lakers during the offseason, a contract that effectively includes a no-trade clause.
Prior to this clause being in effect, the Golden State Warriors explored the possibility of acquiring James ahead of the February 2024 deadline.
Warriors governor Joe Lacob initiated the conversation with Lakers governor Jeanie Buss, who redirected the inquiry to James’ agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports. Paul informed Lacob that James had no interest in such a move.
During All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, just days after the trade deadline discussions, James made clear his commitment to the Lakers.
Yes, it really happened. Welcome to Los Angeles, Luka. pic.twitter.com/XdlZZ5IfNo
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 2, 2025
“I am a Laker, and I’m happy and been very happy being a Laker the last six years and hopefully it stays that way,” James said.
“But I don’t have the answer to how long it is or which uniform I’ll be in. Hopefully [it] is with the Lakers. It’s a great organization, so many greats. But we’ll see.”
James holds a player option for the 2025-26 season, which could see him set an NBA record with a 23rd season in the league.
In a surprising turn of events, Luka Doncic was traded to Los Angeles in a three-team deal on Sunday that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks.
It was James revealed he was out to dinner with his family following the Lakers’ win against the Knicks in New York when he learned of the trade. The news reportedly took him by surprise.
Doncic, who will turn 26 later this month, has long admired James, calling him his “idol.”
Both players are among the only three in NBA history – alongside Oscar Robertson – to maintain career averages of at least 25 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists per game.
And following the Lakers and Mavericks’ announcements of the trade, every NBA fan is waiting in anticipation to see the two share the court on the same team.
