LeBron James Will Stay With Lakers Despite Trade Rumors Following Luka Doncic Deal: Report

The 21-time All-Star wants to suit up next to L.A.'s new best player.

Jan 17, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots the ball against Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Following the Los Angeles Lakers' stunning late-night trade that shipped out 10-time All-Star center Anthony Davis plus a few more minor pieces to five-time now-former Dallas Mavericks All-NBA superstar guard Luka Doncic, pundits and fans alike wonder if L.A.'s second-best player might demand to be moved.

Los Angeles also offloaded starting shooting guard Max Christie and their 2029 first round pick to Dallas, plus a 2025 second rounder from the L.A. Clippers and second-year guard Jalen Hood-Schifino to the Utah Jazz. The Mavericks shipped out their own second round pick to Utah and big men Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Lakers.

Read More: Lakers Make Shocking Trade, Land Luka Doncic from Mavericks for Anthony Davis

Apparently, 21-time All-Star Lakers forward LeBron James plans to stick around in L.A. this season beyond the February 6 trade deadline, per longtime NBA expert Chris Haynes.

Sources: LeBron James intends to remain a member of the Lakers past the Feb. 6 trade deadline, and the relationships behind the blockbuster Luka-AD deal. #haynesbriefs https://t.co/X7H7eQE347 pic.twitter.com/uMTEMUYbDX

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 2, 2025

"League sources inform me that LeBron James intends to remain a member of the Los Angeles Lakers past the February 6 trade deadline," Haynes said. "So even though the Lakers were able to pull off one of the biggest trades in recent history by acquiring Luka Doncic and moving AD to Dallas, LeBron James plans to stay with the Lakers."

"Also, just want to give some background," Haynes added. "I was told that the Lakers were very appreciative of the professionalism displayed by Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and LeBron James. They felt like those two made this process a seamless process and they appreciate them for their efforts."

Read More: What is Lakers' Next Move After Mind-Boggling Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis Trade?

Haynes appears to be alluding to a report from ESPN's Dave McMenamin about James and Paul's conversations with Los Angeles team vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka following the trade. It appears that, per Haynes, James and Paul comported themselves well after hearing the news.

After the Lakers and Mavericks agreed to the deal late Saturday night, Rob Pelinka made three calls in quick succession, sources told ESPN: a joint call with Anthony Davis and JJ Redick; a call to Davis' agent, Rich Paul; and a call to LeBron James.

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 2, 2025

Doncic, a five-time All-NBA First Teamer across the past five seasons, has played sparingly this year. He's been out since Christmas Day with a left calf strain. In 22 healthy contests for the Mavericks, Doncic was averaging 28.1 points on .464/.354/.767 shooting splits, 8.3 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 2.0 steals a night.

Read More:

Lakers Reportedly Didn't Communicate Anthony Davis Trade with LeBron James Beforehand

Lakers' Luka Doncic Reportedly Didn't Ask Out of Dallas Before Trade to Lakers

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