As the 2025-26 NBA season gears up for takeoff, rumors suggesting that LeBron James could leave the Los Angeles Lakers also seem to be heating up. The four-time NBA champion has been with the Lakers since 2018, after he jumped ship to join Rob Pelinka’s camp from the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, ongoing speculation indicates that James could be eyeing the fourth transfer of his professional career.
Lebron James reportedly eyed by 4 NBA teams
On July 12, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that as many as four NBA teams have showcased interest in recruiting LeBron James amid rumors of him leaving the Los Angeles Lakers. McMenamin noted that during the Las Vegas Summer League clash between JJ Redick’s men and the New Orleans Saints on Saturday, James’ agent, Rich Paul, revealed that four unconfirmed NBA sides are currently looking at options to trade in the veteran power forward.
The rumors hinting that LeBron James might leave the Lakers come after he reportedly shed light on the team’s current strategy of putting more focus on their future, as revealed by ESPN’s Shams Charania during his recent appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio. In accordance, Paul confessed that his client will be evaluating his future in the time to come, stating, “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,” while speaking to ESPN.
However, McMenamin, in his courtside report, also clarified that LeBron James has yet to consider leaving the Los Angeles Lakers. “The true cause of the situation was the Lakers not offering LeBron a contract beyond next season, but Rich Paul also clarified that LeBron has not requested a trade, and hasn’t even brought up the possibility of one in future discussions with the Lakers,” the seasoned journalist said.
While theories regarding LeBron James leaving the Lakers continue to rage on, the prolific forward will turn out for JJ Redick’s side in the upcoming NBA season, having recently put pen to paper on his $52.6 million player option.
