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As Los Angeles Lakers fans process the stunning trade for Luka Dončić, they can rest easy on one thing: LeBron James reportedly isn’t going anywhere. James plans to stay with Los Angeles beyond Thursday’s trade deadline, per multiple reports.
James doesn’t appear to want a quick exit from the Lakers in the aftermath of a blockbuster, mind-melting three-team trade that sent Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round draft pick to Dallas in exchange for Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. By sticking around, the 40-year-old forward will have a chance to pair up with Dončić as an All-Star duo.
James signed a two-year, $104 million deal in July to stay with the Lakers. The deal includes a player option for the 2025-26 season and a full no-trade clause, which James would have had to waive in order to be dealt to another team.
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James, who has played for the Lakers since 2018, has fended off previous trade speculation. Last year, the Golden State Warriors showed interest in the four-time NBA MVP, but James wanted to stay in LA. Although he did not address the rumors directly, James told reporters during the 2024 All-Star weekend he wanted to retire as a Laker.
“I am a Laker, and I’ve been very happy being a Laker the last six years, and hopefully it stays that way,” James said.
James will be playing in the 2025 All-Star game on Feb. 16 for a record 21st time. He was announced as a Western Conference starter last week.