Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has secured his immediate future with the team, agreeing to a two-year, $104 million contract extension this offseason. Despite this commitment, rumors have surfaced on social media linking James to the Golden State Warriors as a potential trade destination.
The speculation came into the spotlight after former ESPN columnist Adrian Wojnarowski revealed that the Warriors have long entertained the idea of pairing LeBron with their core trio of Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson. According to Wojnarowski, this ambition dates back to last year when Golden State reportedly explored ways to acquire the four-time NBA champion.
However, Wojnarowski clarified that James has shown no signs of wanting to leave Los Angeles. Instead, LeBron is reportedly focused on strengthening the Lakers’ current roster to compete for another championship.
REPORT: LeBron James has not given any indication to Lakers about requesting a trade, per @WindhorstESPN.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 11, 2024
LeBron wants the Lakers to upgrade the roster they already have. pic.twitter.com/7WgR6zIzUB
This is not the first time a potential trade involving James and the Warriors has been discussed. Reports suggest that last season, a deal was in the works to send LeBron to Golden State.
However, James’ agent, Rich Paul, reportedly intervened to halt the move. Paul’s primary concern was to shield LeBron from criticism for changing teams yet again, given the backlash James faced during past transitions.
LeBron James Misses First Game Of The Season
LeBron James was sidelined during the Los Angeles Lakers’ recent win against the Portland Trail Blazers due to left foot soreness. James was also missing from the team’s practice on Wednesday at the UCLA Health Training Center. Head coach JJ Redick addressed the situation, revealing that James was out for personal reasons.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
“LeBron is not with the team right now. He’s out for personal reasons,” Redick said.
This marks the first game James has missed all season. Nevertheless, earlier in the year, James expressed his intent to play in every game for the Lakers this season.
Also Read: Stephen A. Smith Has A Bold Take On Why LeBron James “Doesn’t Deserve” To Play With Stephen Curry