LeBron James Will Begin Next NBA Season on Los Angeles Lakers After Trade Talks 'Kind of Gotten Quiet'

LeBron James will remain with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 NBA season. NBA insider Zach Lowe reported that trade discussions involving LeBron have "kind of gotten quiet" after being a prominent topic during the Summer League. Lowe stated his expectation is for LeBron to be on the Lakers, noting there doesn't seem to be a clear alternative solution.

LeBron, who will turn 41 in December, is set to earn $52.6 million in the final year of his current contract. His future with the Lakers became a subject of significant discussion following comments by his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group. Paul explained that while LeBron understands the Lakers are building for the future, he highly values competing for a championship and wants a realistic chance to win. Paul emphasized the appreciation for the eight-year partnership with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and GM Rob Pelinka, but stated they need to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage, as he wants every remaining season to count.

Paul's statement was widely interpreted as applying pressure on Pelinka to improve the Lakers roster. This pressure appears to have yielded results. After losing Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets, the Lakers added Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton, and Marcus Smart. The article credits Luka Doncic, not Pelinka, with recruiting Ayton and Smart to the Lakers.

Despite being the NBA's oldest active player, LeBron remains a high-level performer. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in 70 games last season, finishing sixth in MVP voting and making the All-NBA Second Team. LeBron joined the Lakers in 2018 and became the NBA's all-time leading scorer in 2023.