LeBron James Potentially Being Traded by Lakers Receives Clear Update
LeBron James Potentially Being Traded by Lakers Receives Clear Update originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
After the team's first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Lakers once again have a major LeBron James decision looming this summer.
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Last year, the Akron native signed a two-year, $101.4 million deal to remain in Los Angeles. However, the second year of his contract has a $52.6 million player option that he must make a decision on this season.
Recently, The Athletic's Jovan Buha provided a major update regarding James' future with the Lakers, including a clear update on a potential trade if he were to opt in and remain with the team past this summer.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James (23).Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
On June 9, Buha held a Lakers Q&A, where he discussed potential trade candidates for the team (YouTube link). In the livestream, Buha said that Luka Doncic is the only player the Lakers consider untouchable, leading to some speculation about what that could mean for James. However, Buha provided clarity that changes the outlook of any rumors.
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Buha recently took to X to make it clear that, if James does opt in to his Lakers contract, he will have a no-trade clause and is also untouchable in trade discussions for the team.
"LeBron has a no-trade clause, so I didn't think I had to mention him, but he's untouchable too," Buha wrote on X.
James is fresh off his 22nd season in the NBA and his seventh with the Lakers. Despite the team's early playoff exit, the four-time MVP has shown few signs of slowing down. In the regular season, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1 steal per game while shooting 51.3% from the field.
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Though it seems clear that his NBA career is coming to an end, James is continuing to prove he still has a lot left in the tank. He remains one of the most valuable players in the league, and he is crucial to the Lakers' success. Until his future plans become official, he will be a player worth monitoring throughout the offseason.
Related: NBA Star Sends LeBron James Message After Being Traded by Lakers in 2019
Related: NBA Player Sends Message After Being Released by Celtics in 2019
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
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