The NBA trade deadline brought some significant uncertainty around LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers, but the 41-year-old has settled the matter. James, 41, is staying with purple and gold for the remainder of the season despite speculation linking him to potential contenders.
James hasn’t lived up to the bare minimum standards he set throughout his legendary career. He is averaging 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game, which can only get the respectable tag. After averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds last season, the scoring drop represents his lowest output since his rookie year.
Plus, a reality driven by both his age and injury troubles has already cost him 18 games. But James shut down all trade drama amid deadline chaos.
LeBron James expected to stay with Lakers all 2025 season
With 2026 NBA trade deadline nearing its end, the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors emerged as possible destinations if James decided to chase one more ring elsewhere. Multiple team and league sources told ESPN the Cavaliers would gladly welcome their prodigal son back for a third stint if he wanted to suit up for his 24th NBA season in Cleveland.
But the Lakers organization made their stance crystal clear. The four-time champion isn’t going anywhere this year. League sources told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin on Tuesday that James will finish the season in purple and gold, squashing all noise that garnered attention following James Harden’s move and other deadline dominoes.
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“James’ plans beyond this season remain unknown,” McMenamin wrote. “He said last week he does not know if he will retire this summer but acknowledged the Lakers’ game that was played Wednesday in Cleveland ‘very well could be’ his last in Northeast Ohio.”
The Lakers are fifth in the Western Conference at 30–19, despite James missing significant time. Head coach JJ Redick has carefully managed James’ minutes after he dealt with sciatica, left foot problems, and a groin strain that kept him out for multiple stretches.
LeBron reunites with Olympic brothers at All-Star Weekend
Despite the rough regular season, James earned his 22nd consecutive All-Star selection on Sunday. But this time he will be there as a reserve, not a starter.
This year’s All-Star Weekend in Inglewood, California, will feature a unique USA vs. World format, and James landed on the “USA Stripes” squad alongside Olympic teammates Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. The trio led Team USA to gold in Paris last summer, and they’ll reunite on the same side at the Clippers’ Intuit Dome on Feb. 15.
“I’m always grateful,” James said when asked about potentially making the All-Star roster despite his injury-plagued season. “Mad respect to the coaches and them seeing the way I’m still playing at this latter stage of my career.”
Whether this represents his final All-Star appearance or another chapter in his never-ending story remains to be seen, but for now, Lakers fans can rest easy knowing their legend is not leaving them this season.
