LeBron James' Agent Breaks Silence on Rumors He Wants Trade From Lakers

Feb 7, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) hugs agent Rich Paul after breaking the all-time scoring record in the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

NBA superstar Lebron James provided a short statement about his future with the Los Angeles Lakers amidst rumors of a trade this offseason.

“I ain’t got nothing to talk about,” James said at a Lakers' Summer League game.

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The four-time MVP's cryptic statement could still leave some doubt in the back of Lakers fans' minds, ESPN NBA reporter Dave McMenamin says neither LeBron nor his agent Rich Paul are looking for a trade away from Los Angeles.

“Some have posited that the true cause of this situation was the Lakers not offering LeBron a contract beyond next season, but Rich Paul told me they never asked for one," said McMenamin. "Paul also made it clear to me that LeBron has not asked for a trade, and Paul hasn’t even discussed the possibility of wanting a trade in the future with the Lakers.”

With LeBron James at the Lakers game tonight, I asked him if he would like to speak to me about his future with the franchise. “I ain’t got nothing to talk about,” he said. My report for ESPN from Las Vegas. pic.twitter.com/sFRgCYHmqw

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 13, 2025

Speculation of James' potential exit began when Paul released a statement regarding the forward's future with the team after he exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season.

"LeBron wants to compete for a championship," Paul told ESPN. "He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

"We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him."

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The Lakers have made several signings in the offseason to maintain their status as a potential championship contender, adding center DeAndre Ayton and forward Jake LaRavia, who will both serve as important pieces in LA.

The Lakers are primed for another competitive season with their additions, and are certainly in the mix with the likelihood of James staying growing every day.

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.