Report: LeBron James doesn’t want to be traded, wants Lakers to improve roster
While teams might call asking about LeBron James, all he wants is for the Lakers to improve their roster.
If you are wondering if LeBron James trade rumors will be nonstop during NBA trade deadline season, the answer is yes.
Of course, like many rumors, what is discussed is typically not what happens. When talking about LeBron, it's important to remember that he has never been traded, has a no-trade clause and just re-signed with the Lakers over the summer.
Not to mention, he is currently living the dream of playing with his son in Los Angeles.
Still, that won't stop teams from dreaming over even potentially calling the Lakers and asking about the superstar player.
Before Lakers fans start to panic, Brian Windhorst of ESPN went on the show "Get Up" and made it clear that from what he's heard, all LeBron wants is for this team to improve its roster.
“I would just say with LeBron [James]. It’s up to him. He has a no-trade clause and he has given no indication he wants the Lakers do anything but upgrade the roster they’ve got. Not that he wants to go anywhere”
Jimmy Butler and LeBron James are two stars on the Warriors’ radar, per @windhorstespn
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) December 11, 2024
Could you see either of them playing in Golden State? pic.twitter.com/qrInvrqZiE
It's no surprise that the Golden State Warriors would call to ask about LeBron. They did the same thing last season, and it amounted to nothing.
Ultimately, LeBron holds all the cards and if he wants to stay in Los Angeles, nothing anyone else wants matters.
To keep things this way, the Lakers should do everything they can to improve this roster. They have first round picks they can move and it's obvious to anyone watching that this team has potential but is still far from title contention.
Many of the names we've heard connected to the Lakers so far have been good rotation players, such as Brandon Ingram and former Laker Kyle Kuzma. Other scenarios involve adding a big like Brook Lopez and Jonas Valančiūnas.
As you can tell by the names connected to the Lakers, everything involves making moves that add depth to the roster and nothing even close to a LeBron deal or interest from his camp indicating he wants out has been reported.
So, until you hear otherwise, vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka's main focus this trade deadline is improving the roster, not trading away their star player.
All the talk about LeBron leaving is just about filling a segment of television during a week where the Lakers do not play until Friday.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.