The era of LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers may be nearing its end, as fresh reports from the rumor mill suggested that LeBron might be leaving the Lakers and could even bring his son Bronny with him.
The Lakers are not new to the rumor mill when it comes to trade suggestions and speculations. Most of the time, it’s any of their players who are not delivering a stellar performance that are rumored to be let go through a trade, or players from other teams coming to LA to give them a roster boost.
For any Lakers fan, one thing is unimaginable: LeBron James leaving the Lakers. Not only he has repeatedly stated that he is a Laker, but LeBron is also not getting any younger, and teams may want to spend an equivalent of his value on younger recruits who they could maximize the value of for a longer time.
However, that is exactly what ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins is suggesting, as he dropped the news that sources have been talking about the potential of James leaving the Lakers—that is, if LeBron himself would ask to be traded.
“My sources tell me that If LeBron James, at any point, comes out and says that he wants to be traded or he wants to entertain it, they’re going to entertain it,” Perkins said. “It ain’t no holding him back. Last year, Rich Paul stopped it. Let’s remember now what ended up happening when Golden State called and asked them about LeBron, Rich Paul, his agent, silenced all that.”
However, for some reason, Perkins suggested that things inside the Lakers management staff have changed, and they may be willing to let LeBron go if he wants to go.
“LeBron, if they get in that conversation again, I’m hearing Rich Paul ain’t getting in the middle of it,” the analyst added.
JJ Redick on LeBron James Getting Rest: “It Could Be Good on Him”
LeBron James previously stated his goal for the 2024-2025 season of playing 82 games. He has stayed true to his promise for the most part, as he was part of the starting lineup of every game early on this season.
However, with a decline in his performance, even Lakers head coach JJ Redick questioned the sustainability of James’ plan, saying “I don’t know if that’s in the best interest of him and us if he [plays all 82 games].”
With LeBron recently getting ruled out due to foot soreness, coach Redick appreciated the opportunity for his star player to take a break.
“Yeah, I mean, you don’t want him out of the lineup, that’s for sure,” Redick said. “But it is an opportunity to get four days rest before we practice again. So it could be really good for him.”
So far, LeBron James has averaged 23 points per game this season, 8 rebounds, and 9.1 assists.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
