Despite not even being 2025 yet, we’ve already gotten our annual LeBron James trade discussion.
Because it’s a day that ends in y and because ESPN has about five topics that rotate through, we have LeBron James trade discourse.
Despite there being absolutely zero indication whatsoever that LeBron James is seeking a trade or the Lakers are in a situation where they might be open to doing so, known NBA insider (heavy dose of sarcasm) Kendrick Perkins went on ESPN on Tuesday morning and reported that, as opposed to last year, LeBron and his camp would potentially entertain a trade offer this season.
"My sources tell me that if LeBron James at any point comes out and says that he wants to be traded or he wants to entertain it, that they're going to entertain it." - Kendrick Perkins pic.twitter.com/IadMdD9Ljs
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 10, 2024
There are so many things to unpack to prove how ridiculous this notion is that it’s not even worth it. Perk isn’t a reporter and never has been, LeBron hasn’t asked for a trade and nothing has indicated he wants to and the Lakers aren’t shopping LeBron and never have.
But outside of that, totally a plausible scenario.
We are five months removed from LeBron not only re-signing with the Lakers, but reportedly being open to taking a pay cut to help the team out. Nothing about the team’s situation has changed from July to December, so why would LeBron’s entire approach to being on the Lakers roster change?
And if all that were true, which I guess is a possibility despite all of the comments from Klutch Sports’ Rich Paul and LeBron being about how they are motivated to remain Los Angeles, how did Perk, of all people, get this scoop?
It hasn’t even been a year since Paul had these comments on LeBron:
“He’s committed to the Lakers. Jeanie’s been an incredible partner for him and us and I think it’s important for that to be understood and to be respected. Obviously, there’s ups and downs and emotions throughout the course of a season but, ultimately, LeBron’s committed to the Lakers.”
Yes, the Warriors asked about LeBron last season. And they were summarily moved aside and nothing more has come of it. Since that moment in February, the Lakers drafted LeBron’s son. Suddenly, then, he wants out of that situation?
Color me incredibly skeptical of this whole situation. It feels like nothing more than ESPN drumming up a talking point out of absolutely nothing that they can now spend a week debating about with so few games on during the NBA Cup.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.
