Image Source: NBA Sports
[Saba Sports News] On Sunday, LeBron James commented on rumors that the Los Angeles Lakers had considered trading him to the Golden State Warriors. Both James and Warriors’ Steph Curry, named starters for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, could have found themselves as teammates for the Warriors, as speculated after the NBA trade deadline.
During a TNT “Inside The NBA” interview, James addressed the trade speculation. He mentioned that the rumors didn’t progress significantly, learning about them along with the public. James highlighted that sometimes discussions happen privately without his knowledge until they become serious, but this scenario never reached that point.
“It didn’t go far at all,” said James. “I actually heard about it when everybody else heard about it. … Sometimes there’s conversations that happen behind closed doors that you don’t even know about. Until it’s real or not, then they’ll bring it to you. But it never even got to me.”
James’s acknowledgment of the rumor hints at its possible validity. Known for his influential presence in his teams, earning him the nickname “Le-GM” for his sway over team decisions, James’s past teams have often aligned with his preferences, including trades for Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook by the Lakers with his endorsement. However, with the Lakers now contemplating their future beyond James’s tenure, it appears the dynamics may be shifting.
At 39, James’s on-court performance has slightly diminished, though he remains a top player, averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists over 49 games this season. In his conversation with the TNT team, James also openly discussed potential retirement plans, indicating a candid approach to his career’s twilight years.